Seasonal Preparations: How to Prepare Your Property for Extreme Weather Conditions to Minimize Damage
It isn’t just your imagination that the weather continues to become more unpredictable with each new season. Whether it is a hurricane hitting shorelines or a tornado ripping through a neighborhood, Murphy’s Law is real and becoming a reality for many homeowners across the United States. Although we have very little control over Mother Nature, there are steps we can take to reduce the likelihood of seasonal costly damage, thereby helping to protect both your home investment and the safety of your family.
Understanding Your Regional Weather Risk
Before you create a seasonal preparation plan, it is important to understand what you need to be prepared for. In many areas of the United States, property owners commonly face challenges such as strong winds, thunderstorms, hurricanes, heatwaves, and occasionally winter freezes. Every event that comes a homeowner’s way has the potential to go from a small problem to a big deal. The good news is that once you know what to plan for, you can mitigate a lot of the expense and destruction of extreme weather events. As a homeowner, you should continually review your property’s history and location to determine what equipment needs a little TLC during very pointed times. Consider things such as:
- Flood-prone areas
- Tree coverage around structures and dwellings
- Roof condition and age
- Drainage systems and grading
- Vulnerabilities to high wind damage
Identifying risks early can help you make a preparedness checklist and follow through during specific and targeted times of year.
Spring Storm Preparation
As we head full-on into spring, things that homeowners can usually expect are heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Now is a perfect time to walk the perimeter of your home and check for loose items and furniture that can be carried by the wind and cause damage. If you know a storm is coming, make sure to secure outdoor items so they aren’t caught up in the extreme weather.
Inspect Your Roof
Roofs have a limited time span according to their material, quality, and grade. It’s important to be aware of how old your roof is so that you can look for signs of aging problems that need to be addressed. Even new roofs, however, can succumb to storm damage. Make sure to look for missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing, or even clogged gutters for the spring showers to take hold. Also, limit pooling around the foundation of your home by guiding downspouts and gutters to drive water away from your home.
Drainage System Fails
When water is left to sit around the perimeter of a structure or foundation, it can lead to erosion and, over time, damage to the foundation. One way to reduce pooling is to ensure that your gutters are clean and in good working order. Gutters work by removing water from the foundation of your home, but if they are clogged or not working correctly, they can’t perform to save your dwelling. Hire a professional gutter cleaning crew, if necessary. An ounce of prevention is much better than having to replace or repair after the fact.
Sump Pump Failure
Many homeowners rely on sump pumps to stop flooding and water damage. Sump pumps usually work using electricity. When storms come through, it is not uncommon for the electrical lines to go down, leaving most without the electricity they need to pump flood water. It is a good idea to test the pump frequently and make sure that it is in working order. Also, investing in a battery backup or generator can ensure that you aren’t ever left with standing water and mold damage after a natural disaster.
Inspect Landscaping
Trees aren’t just for aesthetics, they are also there to help with heating and cooing issues with your home and sometimes for structural protection from winds. Spring time is an excellent time to evaluate the health of your shrubs and trees to check for dead limbs and low-hanging branches. During a storm a branch can fly through the air and do some real damage to windows, siding, and roofing. By cutting back and pruning where needed, you can reduce the risk of flying debris during high winds.
Summer Preparation
Summer brings extreme heat to many regions in the US. Preparing for high heat is the best way to reduce summer-related damage.
Inspect Windows and Doors
Inspect all windows and doors to ensure they are properly sealed to stop water intrusion during heavy rains. Insulating is also an excellent way to reduce cooling costs and lower your carbon footprint. When you make sure your home is insulated, you also cut down on wear and tear to your HVAC system from overuse.
Storing Outdoor Furniture
During the high heat of summer, storms can come on suddenly. It is best to ensure that outdoor furniture is secure and placed so that it won’t cause damage to your home if a thunderstorm rolls through. Things like patio furniture, grills, and decorative items should always be stored during severe weather because anything loose can become a weapon if it takes flight in high winds.
HVAC System Seasonal Maintenance
Summertime is almost here, and the best way to ensure that your air conditioning is in top working order is to call for a seasonal maintenance appointment. Your HVAC system also relies on filters to keep air flowing and circulating without tiny particles that can get lodged. Filters should be changed every 30 days to keep everything in working order and to ensure that the air quality in your home is at its healthiest for your family.
As we head into the spring and summer months now is a perfect time to consider weather preparedness. Taking just an hour or two to secure the perimeter of your home so that it can withstand whatever comes our way is the best way to reduce repair and replacement costs when storms sail through. If you do have a flood or water incident, however, call us today and make sure that it is handled correctly. Time is of the essence for water damage. We have the knowledge, reputation, and expertise to ensure that you make it through spring and summer with minimal damage.
