People often underestimate the damage certain weather conditions can cause to their homes. Strong winds, long sun exposure, hail and rain, snow, and ice storms leave a toll on the house and downgrade its value and leave you with a lot of expensive repairs to deal with.
Yet, there are ways to prevent this from happening, because when your home is already “bulletproof” and has a strong and steady structure, the chances of damage are extremely low. Read on, as we’ll discuss some ways in which you can keep your house in top condition despite harsh weather and prevent any serious harm or damage from happening.
Make sure to prevent any “flying objects”
The simplest thing you can do is make sure to keep all the “things” that can fly around during a storm and damage the windows or parts of the house locked away in the basement or any secure place. When there is any weather forecast telling you of a harsh storm coming your way, go outside, take the trash bin and deck chairs, and lock them up in the attic or basement. They can start flying around and even harm random bystanders who are crossing the street.
Reinforcing your home with vinyl siding
An interesting idea is to reinforce the structure of the house with durable yet effective vinyl siding. This gives extra protection to the whole house and also adds value to the property. It makes sure your home is protected during ice storms and hail, as hail is especially known to cause serious damage to the walls and windows. As the renowned roofing contractors explain on their website, vinyl siding is low maintenance, extremely durable, and beautiful addition to the home. Even more, vinyl siding gives your home that classic suburban look, and it keeps the walls underneath healthy and well. Imagine if you ever decide to sell your home, the outer walls don’t have any damage, the bricks are all in their place, there are no stains or moss growing in the corners, and everything is perfect as it should be because you used the perfect protection. It makes selling the house much easier and keeps you safe during storms and hurricanes.
Roof repairs
There have been instances when the whole roof has been literally ripped off the structure of the home and peeled like a banana. Then the flying roof causes damage to electrical installations, exposing cords and cables and becoming a real hazard to the neighboring houses and you. There have also been instances when parts of the roof, shingles especially, keep flying around, hurting people and damaging other homes. To prevent lawsuits, a sense of guilt, and major and expensive repairs, simply keep inspecting the roof on a regular basis. Make sure there are no cracks and holes, everything is in check, the shingles are not misplaced or blown away, and there are no loose nails hanging. Call a professional, like a roofer, to do an annual inspection, especially before certain seasons, and look for ways to reinforce it.
Asphalt shingles are an interesting solution you can check out, as they have been shown to be more durable, resistant, and efficient in preventing any damage.
Clean the gutters
Gutter protection is also essential in keeping your home safe and reinforced. By using gutter guards, you’ll prevent the accumulation of leaves and other debris and make sure your gutters are not clogged. Clogging prevents the regular flow of rainwater, which then starts to overflow and causes damage to the house and its walls. The water can also get into the house, causing mold and further damage.
With gutter guards, you won’t have to climb every now and then and clean them manually, thereby sparing yourself a lot of trouble and effort. If you notice a blockage or any damage to the guttering, it would be advised to contact a gutter inspection in Portland (or in your location) company for it to be resolved.
Window repairs and replacement
Replacing windows or reinforcing the old ones is yet another essential step in protecting the house during storms and bad weather. Just take into account how a small crack on the window can spread and even burst the glass during harsh winds or how water can leak into the house. Also, think of it as an investment, as you’ll lower the cost of electricity and heat, as better windows mean better insulation. You can also use blinds. This is further protection, especially the outer ones, as they act as a shield during hail and storms when something could easily break the glass and cause harm to your family.
With these easy tips, your home will become “weatherproof” in no time and you won’t have to worry about major repairs along the way. These steps will secure your home and even add value to it.
