You may not be able to control the weather, but you can take precautions to help keep your home and family safe from storms. Follow these five steps to protect your home from storm damage during hurricane season.
1. Clear Your Gutters
Gutters are the first defense against home water damage, directing water away from your foundation. Regularly clean your gutters to ensure they are clear of debris and nothing is restricting water flow.
2. Repair Damaged Siding
Take a close look at your siding and check for cracks, gaps and warped panels. While you can often repair siding, you should consider replacing your siding if the damage is irreversible. If you need to replace your siding, invest in a durable and moisture-resistant material such as vinyl, composite cladding or steel. SteelTek Supreme Steel Siding can withstand hurricane-force winds exceeding 160 mph.
3. Replace Missing or Damaged Shingles
Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Damaged shingles will likely come loose during a storm, and missing shingles allow wind, rain and debris to enter your home. Ensure your roof is repaired as soon as possible in preparation for a sudden storm.
4. Check Window and Door Seals
Seal windows and doors tightly. In the event of a damaging storm, a small gap around your windows or doors could allow strong winds to enter your home. If you can feel a draft around windows or doors, caulk the cracks and consider replacing your windows in the near future.
5. Tend to Your Yard
Weak tree limbs are hazardous to your home, vehicles and neighboring properties. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and regularly prune back trees to minimize the risk of storm damage. If you know a storm is coming, walk around your property and nail down any loose fence posts. Identify items in your yard that could become projectiles such as outdoor furniture and flower pots, and store them in a shed or garage until the storm has passed.