Storm-Proof Your Space: Essential Weatherproofing Tips for Spring
In many areas around the country, springtime brings severe storms with rain, winds, lightning, and sometimes even hail or snow. When homeowners think about scheduling important spring maintenance tasks for their house and surrounding property, they usually consider only maintenance that involves day-to-day living. Here, we cover the top three spring maintenance tips for storm-proofing your home with the help of professionals.
Inspect the roof
A spring storm can rip away loose roof materials or cause leaks in any area with cracks, holes, or weak spots. A licensed roof inspector can check for signs of issues that could lead to storm-related problems, such as:
Damaged, deteriorated, or worn materials
Missing flashing or shingles
Popped or missing nails or screws
Small, medium, or large leaks
Leak-related stains
After their inspection, they might need to repair or replace part or all of the roof to make the entire structure more durable during a storm. They might also recommend new, sturdier materials designed to extend the roof's lifespan, especially if your home has an older roof.
Clear the landscape
High winds and heavy rains do more than impact the roof. A storm can turn outdoor debris and other objects into high-speed projectiles. Rain can quickly overflow cluttered gutters and redirect water into roof-covered spaces or walls. An experienced landscaper or tree trimmer typically clears away any natural outdoor objects that might cause wind-related damage, such as broken or overhanging branches and dead stumps. Many landscapers provide gutter cleaning services to remove birds' nests, leaves, twigs, and other debris that can cause water backups. Some landscapers offer cleanup and hauling services to remove construction, garbage, and other items. They often make storm safety recommendations as well. For example, they might advise you to secure portable items like lawn chairs, decorations, and string lighting.
Review electrical systems
Lightning strikes can cause power surges and blackouts at any time during a spring storm. Damaged or old parts of an electrical system can worsen the outcome of these events by causing damage to appliances and devices or sparking and causing fire. A professional electrician can check every part of the electrical system in a home and across a property to confirm the optimal setup of wiring, fuses, sockets, and other parts. They also look at indoor and outdoor systems attached to the electrical system, such as fire alarms that require backup electrical power and smart-home systems. They might advise you to invest in built-in or portable surge protectors, a backup battery, or a generator.
We understand how important it is for you to maintain your home and property, especially in the spring before storms hit. Although you can't control these and other types of temperature and weather events, you can find plenty of local certified professionals who can weatherproof your home and property. For more helpful tips like these, visit our Facebook and Instagram pages.
