For most people, the sound of a summer storm is soothing. Remember spending summer afternoons sitting on your covered porch, watching the rivers of rain run down the street? That three-second count from every clap of thunder. It was a thrill to watch.
But for homeowners, summer storms can mean disaster. High winds, heavy rains, and flying debris can wreak havoc on your home, causing serious damage. Summer storms cause millions of dollars in damage every year.
Be Prepared
Are you prepared for the next summer storm? Is your home?
Here are some things to keep in mind to help protect your home.
Preparing Your Home For Summer Storms
Secure Loose Items
It is important to pay attention to the weather. Luckily, our phones can give us a warning when severe weather is heading our way. Hopefully, that will give you enough time to secure loose items around your property. Children's toys, your table's umbrella, lawn decorations, and sporting equipment should be put away.
You can prepare some things ahead of time as well. Keep lawn furniture, grills, and other outdoor items securely tethered or stored away to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
It can be expensive to stay on top of every home project but one of the most important things is to make sure you trim trees and shrubs around your home. And of course, remove dead trees. Although this task can be expensive, it will cost you more if a branch flies through a window or worse still the whole tree falls on a neighbor's home. Overhanging branches can fall and cause damage to your roof or windows.
Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Inspect your gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are clear of debris and properly draining to prevent water from seeping into your home. You don't want to wait until a storm is underway to realize they are clogged and backing up into your home.
Protect Your Windows
Have a plan for protecting your windows. During a storm, close all blinds and curtains, and depending on the size of the storm, you may need to consider placing plywood over large windows to prevent them from breaking.
Protect Your Family
Your home is important but your family is more so. Do you have a plan for tornadoes? Know where to go in your home if severe weather strikes. Find an interior room on the lowest level of your home, away from windows, and take shelter there. Make sure your whole family knows what to do in case of inclement weather.
Don't wait until a storm is on its way to prepare your home. By taking some simple precautions now, you can help minimize damage and keep your family safe during a summer storm.
After The Storm
Once the storm has passed, it's important to inspect your home for any damage. Here are five things to check:
1. Water Damage
Look for water damage throughout your home. We will discuss the windows and doors below but for now, check your upstairs bedrooms and bathrooms to see if there is any apparent water damage. Then check your lower levels to see if any water has seeped in. Also, check around your chimney. Most people don't realize that chimney leaks are mistaken for roof leaks.
2. Roof
Once the storm is over, you will need to have to check your roof and gutters. Check for missing or damaged shingles and make sure your gutters are still attached all around the house. If your roof is missing shingles or has damaged shingles, we recommend contacting Quality Remodeling to help you with repairs
3. Windows and Doors
Even before you go outside, check inside your windows and doors for signs of moisture. Make sure the seals are held throughout the storm. Then, make your rounds outside. Check that there are no cracks or broken glass. Any damage should be repaired quickly because your window and doors protect your home from water damage. And you never know when the next storm will appear.
4. Check For Downed Trees and Broken Limbs
Broken limbs may be a sign that you need to call a tree company to remove or trim back some trees on your property. Trees cause thousands of dollars in damage to homes and automobiles each year and are the cause of dozens of deaths.
5. Your Foundation
Inspect your home's foundation for cracks or other damage. This may require going into your crawl space, but it is important to know that your home is on solid footing.
If you find any damage, be sure to contact a professional to make repairs as soon as possible. Summer storms can cause serious damage to homes, so it's important to be proactive in protecting your investment.
We work with dozens of home service companies. If you have a need, we have a solution. Let us know how we can help. Give us a call today at (410) 768-5350.