How To Storm Proof Your Home For Severe Weather

Here’s What to Focus On:

1) Check your roof, gutters, and downspouts. Your entire roofing and drainage system’s goal is to direct water as far away from your home as possible. Twice a year, check and clean gutters of any debris, and test your downspouts to make sure water is flowing easily and there are no blockages. You can test your downspouts while it’s raining, or use a garden hose to make sure water is coming out as it should. Inspect your roof for any weak spots – even with an untrained eye, you will be able to easily spot obvious worn out area like missing shingles, popped out nails, and any warping. If you spot any obvious concerns, contact a roofing professional for repairs before any storms hit. Give us a call if you would like to meet one of our partnered roofing vendors. 

2) Secure outdoor objects. Depending on the wind strength, any object you have outside your home could become extremely dangerous as flying debris. Bring lawn furniture and umbrellas inside, and secure heavier items like grills if you’re at risk of high winds. 

3) Protect windows. Purchasing exterior storm shutters can add an extra layer of protection between your windows and the elements. If your home is older, and your windows are made of single pane glass, you might want to consider upgrading to newer windows that typically have more durable features and double pane glass. 

4) Trim trees. Wind storms and even heavy rain can bring down dead trees and limbs. In the fall, trim dead trees and any branches that lurch over your home or outbuildings. Some trees don’t hold up well in high wind situations, so check with your local landscaping company for which ones will weather a storm best. 

5) Protect your home from flooding. Inspect the base of your home for signs of water damage, or cracks where water could easily seep in. If your notice any cracks, look for a local weather sealer in your area. If you live in a flood zone, you may want to keep sandbags in storage to block doorways from rising waters. 

6) Secure your garage door. Your garage doors could buckle if exposed to high wind. Depending on the manufacturer, they might offer a vertical bracing system, a home improvement specialist might be able to build one for you or recommend a good DIY kit. 

Storm-proofing your home now, before bad weather hits can make all the difference between spending money on reinforcing your home’s strength versus costly repairs down the road. Understand the risks of your particular area and make sure your home is ready for the next storm that rolls into Northeast Florida. If you’d like to get more information about extreme weather preparation in our area, check out our website at Welch Team – Disaster Page.