Storm damage can range from mild to catastrophic, but one thing is for sure—no one wants to worry that their home or even their loved ones could be impacted by inclement weather. When a storm is brewing, many homeowners go into panic mode, rushing to do whatever they can to protect their property. However, the best way to prevent storm damage is to take a proactive approach. These tips will help you keep your home and family safe so you have peace of mind when the forecast calls for another storm.
How To Protect Your Home From Storm Damage in 7 Steps
Preventative care is the best way to ensure your home stays safe during storms. These seven steps can help you protect your roof, windows, and more.
1. Repair Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s top defense against rain, snow, hail, and strong winds. If it’s damaged in any way, this increases the chance of damage, floods, and leaks that lead to extensive water damage.
Torn or loose shingles, holes, and damaged flashing should all be repaired promptly to prevent further damage. This will help fortify your property against stormy weather and debris.
2. Clean and Secure Your Gutters
You should ensure your gutters are free-flowing and clean. Twice a year is often enough to maintain a good drainage system. Furthermore, you should inspect your gutters when you clean them to check for leaks or holes. If they seem loose, make sure you have them secured.
Gutters play a vital role in protecting your home’s foundation from water damage. Ensure that they are able to effectively move water from the roof to their downspouts.
3. Make Sure Your Land Promotes Good Drainage
If water cannot flow easily from your home, you run the risk of foundation damage and flooding. Land grading can help improve the flow of water from your house to a ditch or drain.
Grading can involve removing soil or vegetation from your property to improve drainage. You may also look into having retaining walls built to prevent soil erosion and channel water effectively away from your property.
4. Seal Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are essential components of any building, providing both ventilation and security. However, they are also susceptible to damage from the elements if not properly protected. To ensure longevity and efficiency, it is crucial to have tight seals on doors and windows that prevent water from seeping through. This is especially important during heavy rains or storms, as water infiltration can not only cause damage to the structure but also lead to mold growth and other issues.
To fortify your building against high winds and potential damage, consider installing hurricane shutters. These protective coverings can help safeguard your property and provide an added layer of defense against extreme weather conditions.
5. Secure Loose Fence Posts
Fence posts can easily be swept up by storms and thrown onto the roof, into a window, or onto your property. This is a major safety concern that you want to address frequently by ensuring your fence posts are all securely mounted.
A simple way to determine if a fence post is loose is to give it a good shake and observe if it moves easily. Ideally, a properly secured fence post should be firmly planted in the ground without any noticeable wobbling or shifting. By taking the time to check the stability of your fence posts, you can prevent potential accidents and damages that may result from loose or unstable fencing. This proactive approach not only safeguards your property but also contributes to creating a safer environment for everyone.
6. Trim Your Trees and Remove Hazardous Debris
Some trees are simply too close to your home for comfort. In the event of a severe storm, they could be uprooted or even break and fall onto your home. A tree removal expert can help you identify which trees are the most risky to your home and remove them effectively.
Some trees may appear lush and strong, but when faced with a severe storm, their roots may not hold up, leading to potential uprooting or breakage that can cause significant damage to your home. It is crucial to have an expert assess which trees pose the highest risk and effectively remove them before they become a danger.
7. Repair Your Siding
If your home has damaged vinyl siding, make sure that you have it addressed swiftly. Holes, tears, cracks, or any other damage could easily allow your home to become compromised by water and strong winds. This could ultimately lead to severe water damage and mold growth. Extremely old siding could even be torn from the home during extreme weather events.
Moisture continually affects a vulnerable area every time it is exposed to water. This weakens it further, leading to greater risks. Be sure to schedule annual inspections and stay on top of your home’s exterior.
Have a Storm Safety Plan
When it comes to protecting your home from storm damage, having a solid storm safety plan in place is crucial. In addition to these preventive measures for your property, having an emergency kit stocked with essential supplies such as food, water, first aid items, and flashlights is crucial in case of power outages or other emergencies. Being aware of evacuation routes and having a communication plan in place with your family and neighbors are also important elements of a comprehensive storm safety plan.
By taking the necessary steps to prepare and protect your home, you can minimize the risk of storm damage and keep your loved ones safe during extreme weather events.
We’re Here to Help You
At Windlickers Roofing & Exteriors, we might know a thing or two about preparing for storms and ensuring your house stays safe and sound. Serving the folks in Oconomowoc, Watertown, and the nearby areas of Wisconsin, we take pride in providing top-notch roofing, siding, and gutter services that offer homeowners the peace of mind they deserve. With over 20 years under our tool belt, our experienced team is ready to tackle any storm damage challenges that come your way.
If you’re looking to fortify your property against the elements, look no further than Windlickers Roofing & Exteriors. Give us a call at (414)-531-1729 or send us a message today for a free quote.
