How To Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

We are just getting into the stormy season and now is the time to inspect your home and property for any damages and repairs that need to be done.  Making repairs BEFORE a severe storm hits is important to limiting any resulting damage.  We have created a handy checklist of some important things to watch out for, and to help you protect your home and property.

5 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM WIND AND STORM DAMAGE

1.  CHECK AND REPAIR YOUR ROOFS FLASHING AND SECURE LOOSE SHINGLES— Flashings are the metal pieces that protect the seams of the roof and around the chimney and vents.  Loose or damaged flashings can allow wind and rain to get under the shingles and cause damage.
2. REMOVE TREES TOO CLOSE TO YOUR HOME— Trees that are too close to the home can cause major damage if it should fall during a storm.  Even healthy trees can topple if the ground becomes too oversaturated and soft.  Trees should be planted far enough away from the home so the height at maturity equals the distance from the home.
3. TRIM YOUR TREES AND LARGER SIZED BUSHES-- Damaged or dead branches and limbs can break off and become projectiles during high wind storms, causing damage to your home and property.  Make sure to trim the dead and damaged branches from trees and large bushes.  Not only will your trees be healthier…. But you could potentially be saving yourself from future wind damage.
4. SECURE YOUR GUTTERS AND CLEAN THEM OF ANY DIRT AND DEBRIS— Common sense?  Maybe, but you would be surprised how many people neglect the care of their gutters.  Check your gutters and make sure they are securely attached to your home.  Make repairs if needed.  Keeping your gutters clear of dirt and debris (branches, leaves…. BIRD NESTS??!!) will help keep rain water flowing off your roof.  When your gutters are clogged up the water can’t drain properly.  Eventually the water will pool and drain back into your roof, creating another set of problems.  LEAKING ROOF.  WATER DAMAGE.  MOLD.  Fun stuff!!  Well, not really…… so make sure to clean those gutters!
5. WAIT UNTIL LATE SPRING TO PUT OUT LAWN FURNITURE— This sounds like a good idea, right?  Early spring thunderstorms can be damaging, so waiting would make sense.  WELL… better yet let’s just anchor down those projectiles!  Thunderstorms and severe weather can happen at any time.  If you are going to put furniture outside it is best to anchor down as much as you can and put away any non-anchored furniture if a storm is brewing.

Hopefully these tips and suggestions are helpful.  Being proactive against potential wind and storm damage is always better than dealing with costly repairs that could have been avoided.