Summer is upon us, and with it comes some bad storms. Depending on where you live, you could be facing hurricanes, tropical storms, or tornadoes at any point over the next several months. When these storms come, you want your home to be ready; and, for that to happen, you need to take a couple of steps in advance.
Here are just 5 ways to help you prepare your home, so that when the heavy rains and wind start moving in, you can rest easier inside your home.
Clean Out the Gutters
One of the first and easiest things you can do is to clean out your gutters. Over the Fall and Winter, our gutters can become clogged, allowing water to get backed up. When heavier rains fall, if your gutters are not clean, the water can overflow onto your home, or the weight can even break your gutters entirely. Cleaning out a gutter is not difficult, provided you don’t mind getting up a ladder. For those of you who don’t like heights, or who can’t get up to your gutters, consider hiring someone else to come and clean them for you.
Waterproof Your Basement or Crawlspace
Another area of your home that can start taking on water is the basement, or crawlspace. As rain seeps into the ground, the soil becomes over-saturated, and this water can eventually start trying to come into your home. To prevent this, you’ll want to take some steps to waterproof your basement, or your crawlspace if you have one. This could include installing a sump pump to push out excess water, or installing something like a basement encapsulation to protect against water seeping in. Your area likely has a basement waterproofing company, so contact them and ask them to give your basement or crawlspace an inspection.
Repair or Replace Your Roof
While you’re up working on your gutters, take a moment to examine your roof. If you’ve been noticing wet patches on the inside of your home along the ceiling, this is usually a sign that your roof needs some repair, or a complete replacement. It’s better to get this type of work done now, rather than when heavy rains come along and start seeping into your home. Find a roofer in your area, and get an expert opinion on whether or not your roof needs some work.
Install Storm Windows
Your windows are one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a storm, so it is important to give them extra protection. This is what storm windows are for, so it’s a good idea to have these installed before the really bad weather arrives. Storms windows will not only protect your home against heavier rains and winds, but can help to cut down energy costs by trapping in your air conditioning. You can learn more about installing storm windows here.
Cut Back Tree Limbs
Finally, if you have tall trees near your home, these can become hazardous during a bad storm. Weakened branches can break off, dropping onto your home, your car, or your power lines. Before this can happen, you should examine the trees around your home, and see if they are a threat to cause any damage. Have an arborist come and see if your trees are healthy and strong, or call a landscaper to scale back any branches that have gotten too big. These branches are likely going to come down at some point anyway, so you might as well get it under your control.
Don’t Be Caught By Surprise
You never know when a bad storm is going to hit. One day it’s bright and sunny, and the next you are stuck inside all day because of a hurricane. While weather forecasts can give you a few days notice to go out and pick up some supplies, that’s not enough time to do everything you need to do to protect your home. Your best bet is to start planning now, and taking steps to guard your home against severe weather, so that when the time comes, you have one less thing to worry about.
Hopefully the above list will get you started to securing your home, and you and your family will be able to stay safe this Summer season.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
