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Severe Weather Preparedness
Storms are unpredictable – despite meteorologists' best efforts to prepare the public for what's to come, whether it be your typical summer thunderstorm or the effects of Hurricane Irma (2017) felt by people all over Georgia. That's why you should get a step ahead and make sure your home is secure and ready to take on both small and large storms. Life happens, so preparation doesn't prevent damage, but it can minimize it. That's why we made a list of ways to prepare your home for bad weather, and what to check for when a storm gives your preparation a run for its money.
How to Prepare
If you're a homeowner, you know this to be true: any kind of damage to your home will likely result in a costly bill. That's why we recommend that you take proactive steps in protecting your home from the weather. Here are some ways to prep your home and property for summer storms!
Secure Outdoor Belongings
If you have any patio furniture, we highly recommend that you secure the furniture or store it in a safe area. This not only protects the furniture itself but also prevents it from causing damage to your home in case of high winds.
Tightly Close Windows or Doors
You certainly don't want doors or windows to fly open, allowing heavy rain to enter your home. Ensure that windows are closed and locked and that your doors are completely shut. If all of your family is safely inside, dead bolting your door can help better secure your door.
Cut/Trim Trees
Do you have some dead trees or limbs near your house? You might want to look into having them trimmed or removed. This minimizes the probability of a tree falling on your home or dead limbs being caught by the wind. You can't prevent all trees from falling, but it's generally easy to tell which ones might be dead or potentially dangerous.
Clean Gutters
Especially if heavy rain is being predicted, you need to make sure your gutters are cleared of any debris that could prevent the water from flowing through the gutters and down the downspout.
Identify Potential Flooding Issues
If you know you have an issue with water pooling up and threatening to seep into your home, consider digging a trench to channel water away from your home before the storm arrives. Getting out in the middle of a storm to dig a trench isn't the safest option, so do the dirty work beforehand!
Get a Roof Inspection
You don't want to find out you have a leak the hard way if you can prevent it in the first place. Contact us for a roof inspection so we can identify and fix issues before they inflict more damage to your home.
What to Look For
Due to the unpredictability of storms, you can never fully prepare for what is to come. If you suspect damage due to heavy winds, large hail, or other weather events, here is what you should look for:
- Missing Shingles. These are typically easy to spot. If you can easily see any missing shingles, you should have them replaced as soon as possible.
- Active Leak. Check your attic, basement, and living space for any active leaks. They're most likely to be found in the attic of your home if the leak is related to your roof.
- External Damage. Is there any visible damage to your gutters, roof, or soffits? If so, there is a potential for a leak if it hasn't already occurred.
Call a Professional
Trying to take care of your roof yourself is a dangerous task. If you think you have experienced any damage, call Trotter Roofing and Gutters to complete an inspection. We don't just work on roofs and gutters, as we also complete home improvement projects. If you experienced any damage to your deck, siding, garage doors, or other external parts of your home, we would be happy to help!
