Some ways homeowners can prepare for heavy winds are by inspecting their roof before storm season, keeping gutters and drainage clear, securing outdoor items properly, and trimming trees. Regular home maintenance is crucial when you are trying to keep your family safe from harsh elements.
Do you think you are prepared for all the extreme weather events that might be coming your way next season? It's when you have calm weather that you can start preparing for any heavy winds that might be in the forecast in the future.
Heavy winds are especially dangerous because they can turn small maintenance issues into bigger problems that cost a lot of money to fix. Loose shingles, aging trees, damaged siding, weak fences, and unsecured outdoor items can all become dangerous hazards when hurricanes or tornadoes come into the picture.
Focusing on regular home maintenance every few months is the best way a homeowner can protect themselves and their loved ones from heavy winds and other extreme weather conditions. Weatherproofing is a real time and money saver.
Inspect Your Roof Before Storm Season
The roof is one of the most important parts of a home to inspect before heavy winds. It is what protects a home from all weather elements and the part of the home that deals with the worst of the damage from extreme weather events.
Missing, cracked, curling, or loose shingles can create potential entry points for wind and water. Damaged flashing and deteriorating areas around vents, chimneys, and other roof penetrations should also receive attention.
Homeowners should consider scheduling professional inspections when appropriate, particularly if the roof is older or has already experienced damage. Addressing relatively minor issues before a storm can help prevent them from becoming more extensive problems.
Keep Gutters And Drainage Clear
Gutters may not seem directly related to wind protection, but proper drainage is an important part of maintaining a home's exterior. Most homeowners don't think twice about their gutters or drainage, but then heavy winds hit, and that's when the troubles begin.
Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow near the roofline, siding, foundation, and landscaping. Heavy rain accompanying strong winds can make existing drainage problems worse.
Cleaning gutters regularly and checking downspouts helps direct water away from the home. Making sure drainage systems are functioning before severe weather arrives can reduce the likelihood of avoidable water-related repairs.
Trim Trees And Remove Dead Branches
Trees can become significant sources of property damage during high winds. They are great for giving your backyard the shade you need on sunny days, but they can be a liability when heavy winds hit your area.
Dead, diseased, or weakened branches may break and fall onto roofs, vehicles, fences, power lines, or other structures. Trees growing close to a home may also require professional evaluation when their condition or location creates potential concerns.
Regular pruning and inspection can help identify problems before storm season. Professional tree services may be appropriate for large trees, difficult branches, or situations requiring specialized equipment.
Preventive tree trimming can be considerably easier than dealing with a fallen tree after a storm.
Check Siding, Windows, And Exterior Openings
The exterior of a home provides an important barrier against the elements.
Inspect siding for loose sections, cracks, or damaged areas. Windows and exterior doors should close securely, while visible gaps around openings may warrant attention. Garage doors are also worth inspecting because their large surface area can make them particularly vulnerable to strong winds.
Replacing or repairing damaged components before severe weather arrives can help maintain the home's exterior envelope and reduce opportunities for wind and water intrusion.
Secure Outdoor Items
The following can become dangerous projectiles during strong winds:
- Patio furniture
- Grills
- Planters
- Umbrellas
- Decorations
- Tools
- Other loose objects
Before a major weather event, homeowners should bring movable items indoors or secure them appropriately. Even relatively lightweight objects can be blown into windows, vehicles, siding, or neighboring properties.
Making this part of a regular storm-preparation routine can be simple and inexpensive. You don't want an umbrella or a planter coming in through your window and damaging part of your home.
If you have damage to your home during a storm, it's important to ensure you have a Texas windstorm insurance policy set up for exactly these kinds of situations to get you the compensation you need when damage does occur. Despite all of your efforts, it's impossible to protect your home against everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Check Your Home's Exteriors?
Proactive maintenance works best when inspections happen throughout the year rather than immediately before a storm. Walk around the property periodically and look for changes in the:
- Roof
- Siding
- Windows
- Doors
- Foundation drainage
- Trees
- Fencing
- Outdoor structures
Photographing existing conditions can also provide a useful record of the property's condition over time. Small issues are generally easier to address when they are discovered early.
Should You Do Anything for Fences and Gates Before a Storm?
Fences may also experience significant stress during heavy winds. Again, most homeowners don't even think about their fences before a huge storm is about to hit, but that's a big mistake.
Loose posts, damaged panels, deteriorating hardware, and unstable gates can make a fence more vulnerable when gusts increase. Regularly checking these components can help homeowners identify areas that need repair.
A small hardware replacement or localized repair may be preferable to replacing an entire damaged section after a storm. You might end up spending thousands of dollars to fix your fences after the fact, just because you didn't do proper home maintenance checks beforehand.
Home Maintenance Savings Are Many
Property claim prevention happens only if you do the proper home maintenance tasks that are listed above. There are certain wind resistance standards that have to be maintained throughout your home, so you are insurable and protected against extreme weather events.
Please avoid spending more money on repairing damage by doing your due diligence.
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