When bad Summer weather arrives, you’ll want to be able to rest comfortably inside your home, knowing that you are safe. For this to happen, there are certain steps you should take to protect your home against these storms. Below are some basic tips that will help you protect your home, and everyone in it, against bad Summer weather. See if any of them need to be done around your own home, and if so, start putting together a checklist of things to do.
Roof Repairs and Maintenance
First, you should take a look at your roof. Your roof will take the brunt of any storm, so it needs to be in great condition if it’s going to protect you. You should start by looking for any leaks inside the home – this is a clear sign that there’s an issue with the roof. After that, try performing a visual inspection of the roof. See if there are any missing or damaged shingles that need to be replaced. If so, call in a roof repair company to help you out. According to this Austin roof repair company, “The better condition your roof is in, the better protection it can offer. Remember that your roof not only protects you and your family, but also your home and your valued possessions.”
While you’re up there, be sure to clean out your gutters. Clogged gutters can force rainwater back onto the roof, which will then damage it and allow the water to leak in. If you’re uncomfortable climbing up on a ladder to clean your gutters, hire a local service to do it for you.
Remove Tree Limbs
The next thing to look at outside are tree limbs. If you have tree limbs that are extending over your home, look like they are about to break or fall, or are tangled up within your power lines, you will want to get them removed before a storm arrives. Storms can knock down even strong tree branches, causing damage to your home or knocking out the power. By taking care of these branches before the storm arrives, you’re removing one of the most common causes of damage during a storm. Make sure you hire a the local tree experts service to do this for you, as a mistake could be just as costly or dangerous.
Windows and Doors
The next areas you’ll want to secure are your windows and doors. These are the weak points in your home when it comes to a storm, so you’ll want to make sure they are ready. If you have storm windows, make sure they are properly installed. Shutters can protect against particularly strong storms, so install those too if you have them. Make sure all your doors are properly sealed on the bottom, so that no rising water can come into the home. Finally, during the storm, keep away from the windows and doors if they’re made of glass, as these can cause serious injuries.
Foundation Cracks
One problem that often gets overlooked is cracks in your foundation. When the foundation underneath a home shifts, it can cause a crack to form. If this happens, water can seep in through the cracks and find its way into your crawlspace or basement. The water can then cause significant damage to your home that costs a lot of money to repair. To prevent this from happening, you’ll want to make sure any cracks are sealed. Go around the outside of your home slowly and look for any cracks. If you find any, fill them up with foam or cement, or hire a foundation repair service to do it for you.
Stock Up on Emergency Supplies
Protecting yourself during a storm isn’t all about securing the inside of your home. You also need to make sure you’re ready for anything inside the home, and for that you need emergency supplies. If the storm is bad, you’ll be unable to leave the home, and if an accident happens, you’ll want the correct supplies on hand to assist you. Some basic things you should have in your home are batteries, candles, first aid supplies, non-perishable items, and water. For a full list you can check out this guide.
Install a Backup Generator
Finally, to give your home extra protection during bad Summer storms, get a backup generator. A backup generator will allow you to power some things around your home, or the entire home if you get one that’s big enough. These devices sit outside your home, run on gasoline, and are only used if your power gets knocked out. They are especially important if your home runs a sump pump and needs to pump water out during a storm.
When a Summer storm hits, you’ll want to be ready. Use the list above as a starting point for your own personal checklist, then start ticking off items one by one. That way, when a storm does arrive, you can rest easy inside knowing you did everything you can to protect your home and your family.
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