How to Prevent Storm Damage

It’s never pleasant to experience the destruction—both physical and financial—of a major storm. 

Fortunately, modern science has provided us with better ways to prepare for even Mother Nature’s greatest outbursts. 

From having an emergency plan in place to taking proactive steps like securing windows and doors or investing in wind-resistant roof coverings, learn all the essential steps you can take today to protect your property from destructive storms tomorrow!

If you’re a property owner, the smart thing is to prepare for any weather-related disasters that may come your way in the future. 

Here are a few tips on how to prevent storm damage and keep your property safe. 

How to Prevent Storm Damage?

What is storm damage?

Storm damage is any kind of destruction caused by a storm, such as heavy wind, hail, and rain. 

Storms can cause extensive damage to roofs, resulting in leaks and other structural issues that can compromise the integrity of your home or business. 

It is important to identify the severity of roof damages after a storm as soon as possible. 

The most common signs of storm damage to roofs are missing shingles, broken tiles, dented flashing, and other visible signs of destruction. 

You should always inspect your roof for any kind of damage after a storm. If you notice any issues, it is best to contact a professional roofer for further assessment and repair.

How to Identify the Severity of Roof Damages?

In some cases, storm damage can be difficult to detect. For instance, hail and wind can cause granules from asphalt shingles to come off without any visible signs of destruction. 

This kind of roof damage is usually more serious as it can lead to leaks and premature aging of your roof materials. In such cases, a professional roofer can use thermal imaging to detect potential roof damage. 

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to prevent storm and roof damage in the first place.

Replace Misplaced or Damaged Shingles

No matter where you live, storms can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. To prevent the devastating effects of a storm, it’s important to be prepared by taking proactive steps to protect your home before heavy weather hits. 

Start with replacing any displaced or damaged shingles on your roof as they will not hold up against strong winds or rain. Restoring loose siding is also an essential step in securing your exterior from storm damage as loose pieces can easily be ripped off during a high-wind event.

Keep Your Gutters Pure and Ensure Water Can Flow Away from Your Home

Furthermore, make sure that your gutters are clean and clear so that water runs away from your house properly; clogged gutters can lead to roof leaks and interior water damage. 

Keep Your Sump Pump in Working Direction

Additionally, ensure that your sump pump is working correctly so that water can be drained away from your basement. 

Guarantee Proper Sealing of Doors and Windows

It is important to ensure proper sealing of all doors and windows in your home or property. Check the seals around these openings regularly, and repair any cracks or damage that you find as soon as possible. This helps prevent water from entering your home during a storm.

Check for Loose Fence Posts

In addition, make sure you check for any loose fence posts which may be knocked down by high winds.

Frequently Trim Your Trees

Trees are an important part of landscaping but can become a hazard during storms if not properly maintained. Prune trees regularly to reduce the risk of falling over during strong winds.

Classify Items that Could Become Projectiles

To further protect your property from potential damage caused by downed trees, identify items such as large branches that could become projectiles in heavy winds and take measures to remove them or secure them to the ground.

Keep a Generator on Hand

In addition, consider keeping a generator on hand in case of power outages during storms. This is particularly important if you or anyone in your family has medical needs that require electricity. With a generator, you can maintain essential services until power is restored.

Create an Emergency Plan and Practice It

Put together a plan that works for your household and make sure everyone in the house understands what it is, as well as where to meet if disaster strikes. If you have time before the storm hits, practice this plan to ensure everyone is on the same page when needed.

Secure Outdoor Items

Make sure all outdoor items like bikes, grills, and other furniture are securely stored away before any storms arrive. This will help prevent them from becoming projectiles during heavy winds or hail.

Stock Up on Supplies

Before a storm hits, it’s important to stock up on supplies like food, water, flashlights, and batteries in case of power outages or other emergencies. Make sure to keep these supplies in a safe, convenient place that everyone can easily access if needed.

Install Shutters or Storm Windows

If you live in an area prone to bad storms and high winds, installing shutters or storm windows can help protect your home from the elements. These will provide an extra layer of defense against debris and other hazards. 

Keep Valuables Safe

When storms approach, make sure important documents, jewelry, and other valuables are stored away safely so they won’t be lost in case of flooding. Consider putting them in water-proof containers if possible. 

Over to You!

By taking all the necessary steps, you can help protect both your home and family from potential damage. 

It’s important to remember that even if you take all the necessary precautions, accidents or disasters do happen - so make sure to stay informed about any potential risks in your area and plan accordingly! 

Keeping up to date on weather forecasts is also essential for being able to prepare properly for storms. 

Lastly, remember that you can always get a team of experts to restore your property to its original state when the storm strikes. 

Need storm damage restoration services? Call 919-243-1719.