Storm Proofing Your Property
If you live in an area prone to storms and rough weather, you’ll know the importance of storm-proofing your home. As a homeowner, it’s essential to take measures to protect your property against extreme weather not just during storm season, but year-round. However, it can be hard to know what to focus on when weatherproofing your home. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. The following are some of the most important aspects of storm-proofing your home to prevent damage.
Protect Your Windows and Doors
Whether by installing storm shutters or using board-up services, protecting your windows and doors is an integral part of storm-proofing your home. Damage to windows and doors allows wind to enter the house and cause further issues, including damaging the roof from the inside. Storm shutters or pieces of plywood will act as a barrier between the wind and rain and you.
Trim Branches and Trees
Storms are known to snap off branches and sometimes overturn trees from the roots. Loose branches are especially vulnerable to this and should be trimmed and removed. If not, these can be picked up by the storm and can be used to damage your home, car, or other items. Therefore, if you have any trees or shrubs near your house, make sure to cut them down before they cause damage.
Flood-Proof Your Property
Storms and heavy rainfall can lead to flooding and severe water damage. To prevent this, you can opt for either dry flood-proofing your home or wet flood-proofing your home. The former consists of using concrete to make the foundation watertight. The latter makes adjustments to areas like crawlspaces and basements so that any floodwater that enters the areas can easily exit them.
Strengthen Your Roof
Severe storms can cause a lot of damage to different areas of the home, including the roof. In extreme cases, the latter have been known to blow off altogether. In order to prevent this, it’s important to strengthen your roof. This can be done by replacing the roof with a metal one or investing in architectural shingles.
Usually, roofs are secured to the house with toenails, i.e., nails used at an angle. These are adequate for regular weather but may not be able to withstand severe storms. To reinforce, you can use hurricane clips or straps. These are made of steel and can strengthen the bond between the roof and the property’s rafters. As a result, your roof will be less likely to blow off when hit with high winds.
If you have a tiled roof, part of storm-proofing your house includes inspecting the eave and ridge tiles to check if they’re secure. If they’re not, they can fall off and water entry can cause flooding.
Clear Out Gutters and Downspouts
Before storming and heavy rainfall, it’s imperative to clear out gutters and downspouts to avoid flooding and damage to roofs. Clogged drains and gutters can result in water pooling in various areas. If your gutters are clear, drainage will be easier and faster, and roof leaks can be prevented. You can also secure any loose gutters and downspouts so that they’re not pulled off via strong storm winds.
Check For Leaks
A major part of storm-proofing includes checking all surfaces for leaks. This includes doors, windows, exterior walls, and more. Water can seep in from anywhere and result in flooding. To prevent this, any and all leaks must be remedied, and all cracks must be sealed.
Reinforce Your Garage Door
Another major aspect of preparing your property for a storm is reinforcing entry points like your garage door. Those who experience frequent hurricanes can invest in hurricane-resistant garage doors for extra security. These have steel reinforcements and other aspects that protect against harsh weather and wind pressure. A more affordable option is using metal panels and storm braces to reinforce your garage doors.
Remove Clutter
While it may seem minor, it is important to remove the clutter from your lawn before a big storm hits. Items like outdoor furniture, sports goods, and gardening tools should be stored in sheds or moved indoors to prevent high winds from using these items to damage your home or injure others. Even smaller items like outdoor plants and trash cans should be cleaned up and removed before the storm is in full force.
Secure Your HVAC System
Storms can wreak havoc on HVAC systems. To protect the system, you can use either protective cages or hurricane straps. Maintenance should also be carried out before a big storm and any loose branches or foliage should be removed from around the unit.
911 Restoration Can Help With Storm Damage
Storms can cause both wind and water damage. When your home is affected, we understand that you require swift assistance. That’s why the IICC-certified team at 911 Restoration of Santa Clarita can reach your location within 45 minutes of your call. Simply call us at (661) 401-7302 for any home restoration services you require.
At 911 Restoration of Santa Clarita, we understand that storms come with little to no warning. If you are faced with storm damage and require disaster restoration services, you can count on us. We are available 24/7 for emergency calls and can help you with everything from board-up services to water damage restoration. Reach out to us by filling out this contact form.
