5 Ways to Prevent Storm Damage to Your Home

As the days get longer and temperatures got hotter, the threat of severe storms is always present in the Mid-Atlantic region. In any season, storms can be severe; but this region tends to see its worst storms during the peak of June through October. For homeowners this can be a frightening prospect. But there are ways to prepare your home to prevent from storm damage.

Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage to your home when severe weather strikes. In some cases, taking these steps can mean the difference between costly home repairs and no damage at all.

Remove Dead Wood

Trimming your trees regularly will help fewer branches fall during heavy winds or other severe weather. For particularly tall trees, hire an arborist to properly assess and remove or prune any dangerous trees.

Secure Outdoor Items

Loose items like grills, bikes, tools, picnic tables, and lawn furniture should be brought inside to avoid becoming projectiles in storms with high winds. Decorations, even when they are securely attached to the home, could also cause damage or be destroyed in a storm.

Deal with Drainage Problems

Having the gutters cleaned once leaves have fallen should be a given. But there can be other drainage problems around your home, including areas where water can drain onto the foundation and damage it. Landscaping professionals can help you identify the problems and find solutions so that you don’t have any issues when the storms come.

Inspect Roof Periodically

A brand new roof should withstand most severe weather, but if your roof is older than 10 years, it should be checked for loose shingles, nails and sheathing. Not only can shingles blow off in a storm, but loose nails and sheathing can cause chunks of roofing to be dislodged or create openings for rain and debris to penetrate.

If an inspection does turn up any possible leaks, getting them fixed right away will protect your home from damage in severe weather.

Consider Impact-Rated Windows

You may be able to protect your windows from damage by installing hurricane shutters, or just boarding up the windows if a severe storm is imminent. The fact is, though, that any new windows are likely to be more airtight and impervious to leaks and damage than older windows. In areas where severe weather is frequent, such as hurricane zones or coastal areas, it’s worth considering windows that are specially made to withstand storm-level air pressure and impact.

Paulco Homes can help you prepare your home to withstand storm damage, and if the worst does happen, we can help you repair the damage and get your home looking better than new. Call Paul at 410-848-2605 to schedule your consultation.