How to Prevent Storm Damage
Windstorms, hail and winter storms can do serious damage to your property. As a homeowner, it's important to do everything possible to safeguard your home against these elements.
To prevent storm damage, the best approach is prevention. That means eliminating the possibility of water, ice or snow entering your home through leaks, cracks or other sources.
Preventing storm damage is an investment that will pay off in the long run, especially when you factor in restoration expenses after a disaster. By taking steps to protect your property from harm, you can save yourself money in the long run.
1. Reduce Storm Damage by Establishing Catch Basins
A storm can bring massive amounts of water onto your roof, gutters and downspouts if not addressed promptly. This water could seep into your home and lead to flooding, mold growth, mildew growth, damaged ceilings and other issues if left unchecked. 1. Prevent Storm Damage by Establishing Catch Basins
Create catch basins around your home to catch any excess rainfall before it seeps into your structure.
2. Create a Shed That Can Withstand Rainstorms
If your shed is vulnerable to storm damage, take steps before hand to strengthen it and ensure the ground slopes away from it for extra support and that its foundations are sound and sturdy. Make sure your shed has plenty of ventilation as well.
3. Repair Cracks in Windows and Doors Before a Storm
You should inspect all your windows and doors from both sides for any signs of damage, such as cracked panes, holes or sticking. Also look for broken cladding or frames.
4. Prepare Your Vehicles for Windstorms
Vehicles left outside in a storm are vulnerable to being struck by flying debris and resulting damage. To reduce this danger, park your car under cover or in an indoor garage.
5. Avoid Garden Furniture and Equipment That Could Become Projectiles
Summer thunderstorms can bring flying debris across your lawn and into your house. To reduce this risk, remove or cover anything unnecessary on your property such as lawn chairs and barbecues.
6. Maintain Your Fence, Deck and Yard
Before a storm hits, make sure the edges of your property are neatly trimmed. Doing this helps avoid branches falling on your house which could cause serious damage.
7. Repair Peeling or Loose Roof Shingles and Siding
Your roof and siding are two of the most vulnerable parts of your home to damage during windstorms. To keep them in optimal condition, check them regularly for chips or missing shingles.
8. Create a Home Inventory
Finally, to protect your property from storm damage, create an inventory of all belongings. This will be invaluable documentation in case any of these items need to be claimed after a storm.
Most severe storms are covered under your homeowners insurance policy, but it's essential that you understand the extent of that coverage. This may depend on factors like the amount of coverage available, the age and structure of your home, as well as any damage costs in your neighborhood.
Windstorms, hail and winter storms can do serious damage to your property. As a homeowner, it's important to do everything possible to safeguard your home against these elements. To prevent storm damage, the best approach is prevention. That means eliminating the possibility of water, ice or snow entering your home through leaks, cracks or other…