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Storm-Proofing the Outside of Your Home | SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties has your back when you experience water damage.
Wind, rain, hail, tornadoes, floods…the list of potential risks to your home from storms is long. While the extremes vary according to your location, there are always going to be threats you need to be prepared for.
Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. On top of everyday maintenance and regular cleaning, you should also take steps to protect your home from the countless possibilities of damages that can come from seasonal weather threats.
Life in Tornado Alley means that while most of our strong storms in the Cape happen during the spring, we have to be ready for them year-round. It is not uncommon to have strong thunderstorms, flooding and high winds as well.
When it comes to avoiding storm damages, the best place to start is outside. Take the time to storm-proof the outside of your house so you can mitigate your risks and avoid costly repairs later.
The good news about protecting your home from storms is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Most of getting your home ready for the season can be worked into your regular routines. Get the family involved and make it fun while you work!
No matter where you live, strong winds and heavy rain are always a possible way your home can be damaged. Keep your trees trimmed, clean your gutters and remove loose debris often in order to avoid flying objects that could break windows or pooling water that could flood your basement. Don’t forget about your patio furniture, either—tie it down or have a safe place to store it when a storm rolls in.
Spend some time walking around your property and looking for gaps or deteriorated wood. By maintaining caulking around window and door frames, you can avoid potential leaks during a heavy rain.
You should also check your roof after every wind event and at least once every four months. Replace missing or loose shingles as fast as possible, and watch for openings around gutters, edges or any chimney area.
While most preparations for storms can be done cost-free, there are a few things you should consider adding or updating depending on the region you live in.
Storm shutters can be a great way to quickly protect your home, especially if your house is in an area where strong winds are common. You might also consider upgrading the windows themselves to thicker materials that can withstand a lot of abuse. In highly forested areas, gutter guards can help prevent clogged gutters and potential water damages.
Adding reinforcements to the bracing on your outbuildings or additional structural tie-downs to a modular home can also be a helpful way to keep everything where it is supposed to be during an intense storm.
Always have two ways to receive weather alerts, and identify a safe space in your home so that you can respond quickly when storms get severe. If you do experience damage, call us day or night. We are ready to get your home put back together fast.
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties to start restoration, 24⁄7.