How to Prevent Storm Damage and Save on Repair Costs
February 2, 2022The fury of a storm is enough to destroy anything that comes its way – from buildings, homes, vehicles, and anything else in its path. The cost of repairing the destruction left by a storm can be quite expensive, and that’s why it’s essential to take the necessary precautions to prevent storm damage in the first place. Not only will this help to reduce repair costs, but it will also keep you and your family safe during a storm. In this article, we’ll explore some tips to help prevent storm damage and save on repair costs.
1. Clean gutters and downspouts
Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow and accumulate around your foundation. This excess water can cause structural damage to your home, resulting in costly repairs. To prevent this, ensure that you clean your gutters and downspouts regularly – at least twice a year. You can also install gutter guards to help keep debris out of your gutters.
2. Trim trees and bushes
The branches of trees and bushes can become weak and break during a storm, causing significant damage to your property. To prevent this, trim any branches that overhang your home, ensuring that they’re at least 10 feet away from your roofline. You should also remove any dead or weak trees that may pose a risk during a storm.
3. Secure outdoor items
Outdoor items such as patio furniture, toys, and planters can become flying debris during a storm, causing significant damage to your property. To prevent this, secure outdoor items before a storm by bringing them inside or securely tying them down. If you have any large items such as a trampoline, consider dismantling them and storing them in your garage or shed.
4. Reinforce doors and windows
Doors and windows are the weakest points of your home during a storm. To prevent damage from high winds and flying debris, reinforce your doors and windows with storm shutters or hurricane-resistant glass. You can also install door and window braces to help keep them from bending or breaking during a storm.
5. Check your roof
Your roof is another vulnerable area during a storm. To prevent leaks and structural damage, ensure that your roof is in good condition. Keep an eye out for missing or loose shingles and replace them as needed. Storm damage repair You should also inspect your roof after a storm to check for any damage that may have occurred.
6. Install a standby generator
Power outages are common during a storm, and this can cause many problems, including flooding, food spoilage, and property damage. To prevent this, install a standby generator that will provide backup power during an outage. This will ensure that essential appliances such as your sump pump, refrigerator, and HVAC system remain operational, reducing the risk of damage to your property.
In conclusion, preventing storm damage is essential to keep you and your family safe and reduce costly repairs. By cleaning gutters, trimming trees and bushes, securing outdoor items, reinforcing doors and windows, checking your roof, and installing a standby generator, you can significantly reduce the risk of storm damage and save on repair costs. Remember, taking these preventative measures can make all the difference when the next storm strikes.