When the Storms Comes

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damage to Home

Every spring, we here in the Midwest get ready for storm season.  The severity and frequency of bad weather is anyone’s guess.  Sooner or later, unfortunately, a lot of homeowners end up dealing with property damage as a result of storms.

The most common type of property damage seen is roof and siding damage following heavy winds and/or hail.  None of us can control the weather, but there’s still a lot you can do to protect your home and your family.  So, what are some quick and easy precautions you can take to minimize property damage and expenses during storm season?

1. REPLACE MISSING OR DAMAGED SHINGLES

If a shingle is damaged, it’s more likely to break free. If it’s missing, well then you’ve got a gap for wind and water to get underneath and do even more damage.  This will help keep the health of the house intact as water intrusions can be slow developing and are noticed after they have done much damage over time.

2. REPAIR LOOSE SIDING

The same rules as roofing apply to siding: it’s important to ensure your siding isn’t damaged.

3. KEEP YOUR GUTTERS CLEAR

Make sure your gutters are free-flowing and your downspouts flow away from your foundation. Water damage or flooding is one of the quickest ways to devalue your home.  So ensuring your gutters are clear is the first line of defense in helping water to flow away from your home.

4. ENSURE WATER CAN FLOW AWAY FROM YOUR HOME

The grade of your lot should keep water flowing away from your home and into a ditch, drain, or some other proper retention area.

5. KEEP YOUR SUMP PUMP IN WORKING ORDER

Before the Spring rains start up, check to see whether your sump pump is in good working order.  Having a backup sump pump is a great way to help prevent basement flooding.

6. ENSURE YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS ARE PROPERLY SEALED.

Wind only needs a small opening to get underneath something like a shingle or siding and rip it off.  In the event of tornadic winds, a small opening in your windows or doors could enlarge and allow enough wind inside to compromise your home’s roof.

7. CHECK FOR LOOSE FENCE POSTS

Wind will surprise you.  Anything that’s not nailed down is a liability and that includes fence posts, which are often forgotten or ignored in homeowner’s storm-prep.  Checking your fence’s footing is as easy as giving each post a strong shake to check for loose ones.

8. REGULARLY TRIM YOUR TREES

Problem tree limbs can damage your home, a vehicle or even your neighbor’s property.  Regularly trimming the trees on your property is an excellent way to protect your roof and windows.

9. WALK AROUND YOUR PROPERTY

A lot of people don’t have the time or skills to check and/or repair everything on their property before storm season kicks up.  You can, however, do some very basic steps you can take to minimize its impact. Identifying items such as lawn furniture, tools, flower pots, or other yard debris that can become dangerous projectiles. Do yourself a favor and move those items to a garage, a shed, or indoors.

10. KEEP A GENERATOR ON HAND

A bad storm could potentially knock out power to your home for a couple of hours — or days. Having a generator on standby could go a long way towards ensuring you don’t lose your food, or the livability of your home until power is restored.

 Should you experience storm damage to your home or business, we can help!  Call SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt County at 217-935-2992 and speak with one of our friendly team members today!