Springtime — it’s when Mother Nature can’t decide if she wants to host a garden party or play demolition derby. Should the latter occur, don’t leave your home’s protection to chance. Now is the time to get your home ready for severe weather season.
Start at the Top
Your roof is more than a way to make sure the only streaming going on in your house happens on Netflix. It’s essential to a home’s overall structural integrity, so make sure yours is in good repair and can withstand nature’s fury. Consider hiring a qualified inspector to identify missing or damaged shingles, as well as sagging areas or uneven surfaces. Metal flashing around chimneys, roof vents, skylights, and where roof angles meet should be checked to ensure it’s flat and well-sealed. And if you have tree branches hanging over the house, trim them back. You could also consult with a licensed roofer to see if your roof can be fortified with straps or ties to help it sustain stronger winds.
Diverting Disaster
Moats were great for castles, but they’re bad for today’s homes. That’s why it’s important to have gutters to funnel water off the roof and direct it away from your home’s foundation. But if you live in a cold climate, clogged gutters can lead to ice dams that can work their way under the shingles. Do a thorough inspection, install leaf guards if needed, and make sure downspouts are clear and that they push the water far enough away from your foundation to help prevent damage.
Pump It Up — and Out
If you want to avoid the need to backstroke through your basement after a major rain event, a sump pump can be a wise investment. In a basement prone to flooding, a sump pump is a necessity, but can still be a smart move even if it’s typically dry. Make sure the pump has enough capacity to keep up with a flood, and install a battery backup so it can keep working even if you lose power in a storm.
Yard Guard
If you don’t want to find your favorite lounge chair gone with the wind (or through a plate glass window) after a big storm, be sure to inspect your property for objects that could become missiles in high wind. Large items like picnic tables, grills, Adirondack chairs, and children’s play sets can be anchored to the ground. Anything else that accumulates in the yard — umbrellas, garden tools, smaller grills — should be stowed inside during storms with high winds. Cut back dead limbs from trees or bushes. Anything that’s loose can become an airborne projectile and smash a window, potentially causing harm to occupants and allowing damaging winds inside.
Wind, Water and Wattage … Oh My!
Doors can let in wind and water, so make sure they fit and close tightly and replace any worn weather seals. If you live in a part of the country that’s prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, consider investing in impact-resistant windows; for those living in areas that frequently experience thunderstorms, a lightning rod can help protect your house from a direct strike. And if the power fails, a home generator can keep essential systems running.
Picture This
If the worst happens, you’ll need to list damaged property items and their values for your insurer. The simplest way is to take photographs or video of your possessions and any receipts you have on hand. Upload your home inventory to a cloud storage system.
We Insure Can Help You Weather the Storm
Make an appointment with your local We Insure agent to review your homeowners insurance and ensure the coverage is adequate. If you’re in a flood-prone area and don’t have flood insurance, you might want to consider adding it. But this may also be a wise idea if you’re not. According to FEMA, property owners outside of high-risk areas file more than 25% of National Flood Insurance Program claims and receive one-third of flood disaster assistance. You can purchase a flood policy to protect your home, condominium, apartment, and non-residential or commercial structure. If you’re in an area affected by hurricanes, review your windstorm coverage, limits, and deductibles carefully. Your We Insure agent can help you select the best coverage for your home and safeguard your property against the unpredictable forces of nature.
Sources
https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20230425/fact-sheet-myths-and-facts-about-flood-insurance
https://www.nahb.org/other/consumer-resources/disaster-preparation-and-recovery-resources/Protect-Your-Home-from-Severe-Weather
