Storm Damage Prevention Tips

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

Even the smallest cracks in the foundation walls can let water inside your home. So, in order to avoid basement flooding and water damage to your property during a storm, you need to make sure the house foundations are completely waterproof. Inspect the foundation walls for cracks and make any necessary repairs before a major storm hits your area:

Small cracks can be sealed with caulk designed to repair masonry; There is no doubt that keeping your property in excellent condition – well maintained and well protected (against intruders and thieves, as well as against the elements) – is your top priority as a homeowner. But while you may be living in a safe neighborhood or city where crime is not an issue, you cannot escape the weather, no matter where your home is – severe storms can happen anywhere in the country, throughout the year. Whether it’s a violent thunderstorm, hailstorm, snowstorm, hurricane, tornado, or any other natural disaster, your home can be badly damaged by the adverse weather conditions.

There is nothing you can do to stop a storm from hitting your area, of course, but there are many precautions you can take to minimize and even prevent the potential damage to your home. Most of these preventive measures will help you not only avoid storm damage and costly repairs, but also upgrade your property and keep it in good condition.

Secure Your Home

First things first, to have a fighting chance against the elements, you need to fortify your fortress and make it as waterproof, wind-proof, and shutter-proof as possible.

Secure the Roof

A quality new roof should be able to withstand severe weather, but if your roof is 5-10 years old or older, it may need some reinforcement. Older roofs should be inspected at regular intervals so that any problem areas or leaks that could lead to water damage in the event of torrential rain are timely identified and properly taken care of before a storm hits:

• Check for loose shingles that can be blown off in a storm and secure them tightly in place with a heavy-duty adhesive;
• Replace any broken or damaged tiles as soon as you find them – consider installing ones rated as class 3 or 4 that have been proven to withstand harsh hail and heavy winds;
• Check for loose nails and sheathing that can cause chunks of roofing to be dislodged or create openings for water to enter the home;
• Make sure the chimney flashing is in good condition and the chimney can be tightly closed if necessary;
• Consider reinforcing the roof by having it retrofitted with brackets, bracing, clips or straps that are specifically designed to make it stronger.

Keep in mind that roofs that are over 20 years old can suddenly fail in a storm even if there were no apparent problems, so they should be replaced at the earliest opportunity.

Secure Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are more susceptible to storm damage than any other parts of the home, so they need special attention:

• Check doors for missing screws/bolts or loose hinges and fix any problems you find without delay;
• Fit keyhole covers in front of door locks to keep rainwater and snow outside;
• Use weather-stripping to seal doors and windows that don’t close tightly;
• Apply caulk on both sides of windows to prevent water from seeping inside;
• Consider applying a durable clear plastic film on windows to prevent glass shards from blowing into your home in case the window is broken by strong winds;
• Install permanent shutters, such as roll-up or accordion shutters, to shield your windows from wind and debris during a storm (there are models for skylights, sliding glass doors, and garage doors as well);
• Replace the windows if you notice cracked or broken glass, condensation, or drafts in the home. When installing new windows, consider high-impact glass and double-paned models that provide better protection against storms.

These precautionary measures will not only help protect your home from storm damage, but will also considerably improve the thermal efficiency of the building (as they help insulate the home) and reduce your energy costs.

Secure the House Foundation

• Larger gaps should be fixed with the help of hydraulic cement.

• Inspect the Siding

• Any damage to the siding makes your home vulnerable to leaks and water damage, so you’re advised to check the exterior walls for cracks and holes at a regular basis and take quick and adequate measures to fix the problems (if you find any).
• Also, make sure that all the openings for pipes, wires, and ductwork in the walls, roof, and foundations of your home are well sealed and there are no gaps that could allow water to enter inside.
• Sewer and Drain Backup Coverage
• Sometimes a storm can lead to a sewer or drain backup which will result in standing water in your home.  A backup can cause significant indoor flooding and property damage and if the water is contaminated with sewage, it poses a major risk to your health.  Typically, homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the damage caused by a drain or sewage backup.  Make sure you check your insurance policy to see if the damage from a backup is covered.  If not, you must purchase a separate rider to cover the damage.  It may cost a little more to add the rider, but this will better protect your home from flood damage.