Did you know that there have been more than three hundred climate and weather disasters since 1980, with costs that have exceeded a billion dollars?
You never know when a dangerous storm is going to hit your community. If you do not take the right steps to protect your home from storm damage, you’ll put your home and your family at risk.
We’ve put together a guide to help you understand what is important to do to protect your home from severe weather disasters. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
Secure the Roof of Your House
If a hailstorm or a windstorm strikes your neighborhood, the storm might severely damage the roof of your house.
Those who have newer roofs might be able to hold up against severe weather. But you should consider getting your roof inspected if it is more than five years old.
A skilled inspection team will be able to know whether or not your shingles need to be replaced or repaired.
They’ll identify which shingles are loose. They will also look for loose nails or screws that have created gaps where water can leak into your home.
If you decide to hire an inspection team to look at your roof, make sure that you ask them to assess the flashing around the roof to find out whether or not it is watertight.
If you have not yet installed hail-resistant roofing, you should consider adding it. It is also a good idea to add shutters to your skylights. When a storm hits, all you’ll need to do is fasten them shut.
If you take these steps to secure your roof, you won’t have to worry about dealing with water damage after a storm hits.
Secure Your Patio Furniture
It is never a good idea to have stray furniture and accessories lying around your house. Most people don’t realize that these objects can become dangerous projectiles when it is windy out.
This is why it’s a good idea to do something with materials that are lying around your house if you know that a storm is on the way.
Consider taking your lawn furniture into your shed. Move your flower pots and gardening accessories into an enclosed area.
If it is not feasible for you to move large objects into storage, take action to secure them so that they won’t blow away. You can do this by anchoring them with ropes, cables, and chains.
Create Natural Windbreaks
One of the best things you can do to prevent storm damage is to create natural buffers around your property. You can do this by hiring a landscape designer who knows how to create natural windbreaks.
If you do not feel like hiring somebody, this is also something that you can do on your own.
Focus on planting trees and shrubs strategically so that they can become shields for your home against severe storms. It is a good idea to plant a combination of small and large trees.
Once your property’s trees and shrubs reach maturity, they will help to prevent your house’s siding and roof from experiencing hail damage. They will also slow down heavy winds.
Keep in mind that this is a long-term solution. It might take several years for the trees and shrubs that you plant to be large enough to protect your home.
Get Rid of Dead Branches and Tree Limbs
When high winds strike, they will yank dead branches and weak limbs from your bushes and trees. These can easily damage your roof and break your windows.
You should make sure to get rid of any branches that are close to your house’s windows.
Take time to test low-hanging branches to find out if they are weak or dying. If they are, get remove them. If you have a wood chipper, you can easily turn dead branches into mulch.
Not only will your home be more secure if you take the time to eliminate dead branches and limbs. You’ll also improve your property’s appearance.
Weatherproof Your Home
People often don’t realize that one of the most common water damage issues is damaged paint and wallpaper. This often happens when rain and hail enter through broken windows.
It is essential that you take action to protect your doorways and windows from a storm. This is why you should regularly inspect them. Be on the lookout for bolts that are missing, loose hinges, and windows that are vulnerable.
If there are windows or doors that don’t properly close, make sure that you apply weather stripping. And don’t forget to replace any of your windows that are cracked.
Move Your Automobiles into the Garage
If you know that a storm is coming, make sure that you move all of your vehicles into your garage.
If there is not enough space to fit all of them, you should consider moving them away from your house. And make sure that you protect them with car covers that are secured with straps.
Take Action to Protect Your Home from Storm Damage
It’s important to protect your house from storm damage. You can do this by securing your roof. It’s also a good idea to weatherproof your home and to get rid of dead branches and tree limbs.
If you need help repairing your home after it’s been damaged by a storm, we are here to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an estimate for full-service water restoration.
