Oklahoma’s storm season runs from spring through fall — and a significant hail event, straight-line wind, or tornado can leave damage that isn’t immediately obvious to the untrained eye. After any major storm event, walking your outdoor kitchen systematically before you fire up the grill is both a safety practice and a way to catch issues before they become expensive problems. Here’s the checklist VistaScapes recommends.
Immediately After the Storm — Safety First
- Smell for gas: Walk the outdoor kitchen area and check for any gas odor before getting close. If you smell gas, do not use any switches, lights, or appliances — leave the area and call your gas provider and the fire department.
- Check for downed power lines: Look for any lines that may have fallen near the patio area. Do not approach if lines are visible on or near the outdoor kitchen structure.
- Check structural integrity of the covered structure: Walk around the covered patio before walking under it. Look for significant lean, visible structural damage, cracked posts, or shifted roofing that suggests the structure may not be safe to enter.
Covered Structure Inspection
- Inspect roofing panels for hail impact — dents in metal panels, cracks in polycarbonate panels, missing shingle sections on shingled covers
- Check fascia boards and trim for splitting, cracking, or displacement
- Inspect post bases for shifting — look for gaps at the concrete footing or visible lean in any post
- Check all beam-to-post connections for loosened hardware or shifted joints
- Look for debris accumulation in gutters or overhangs that could create drainage problems
- Check ceiling fan and light fixtures for damage or displacement — do not power on fans until you confirm mounting hardware is intact
Gas System Inspection
- Inspect all visible gas lines for physical damage — bent or kinked flex lines, disconnected fittings, or impact damage to rigid pipe
- Check gas line penetrations through island walls for signs of movement that might have stressed connections
- Perform a soap bubble test on all accessible gas fittings before first use after the storm — even if lines look intact, storm movement can loosen connections
- Inspect propane tank connections (if propane-fueled) for physical damage or displaced regulator
Appliance Inspection
- Grill: Check for hail dents in lid and housing; inspect burner tubes for debris driven in by wind; check igniter electrodes for displacement; confirm lid opens and closes properly without binding
- Refrigerator: Check exterior panels for hail damage; confirm door seal is intact; allow 30 minutes before powering on to give compressor oil time to settle if the unit was jostled
- Side burners: Inspect cover for hail impact; check burner holes for debris or blockage from storm-driven material
- Outdoor sink: Check faucet and visible plumbing for physical damage; run water briefly to confirm no leaks at fittings
Countertop and Island Exterior
- Inspect countertop surface for hail impact cracks — natural stone can crack under direct hail impact on uncovered surfaces
- Check countertop-to-island joint caulking for opening or displacement
- Inspect stone veneer for cracked or displaced stones — large hailstones can chip or crack face stones
- Check stucco for new cracks from structural movement or direct impact
- Inspect access door hardware for damage — hinges can be bent by large hail or wind-driven debris
Electrical System
- Check all GFCI outlets — press the “Test” button and confirm they trip, then press “Reset” to restore. A tripped GFCI that won’t reset may indicate moisture infiltration in the circuit.
- Inspect exterior light fixtures for water entry, displaced fixtures, or broken globes
- Check TV and audio equipment for physical damage before powering on
- If outdoor electrical panels or junction boxes were accessible to storm water, do not power on until a licensed electrician has inspected the system
When to Call VistaScapes
If your storm inspection reveals significant structural damage to the covered patio, cracked countertops or veneer, damaged gas line connections, or appliance damage beyond cosmetic issues, contact VistaScapes for a professional assessment. We can evaluate damage scope, provide repair estimates, and coordinate insurance documentation where appropriate. Call (918) 779-1317.
