Strong winds can be damaging to your home, especially when you haven’t properly prepared or reinforced areas of your home. There is also the possibility of damage from trees and branches when high winds are in the forecast. Here are five tips to help you protect your home from wind damage.
1. Reinforce Garage Doors
Garage doors are a weak point and need to be reinforced so they do not detach in a storm. If your doors come off, items inside your garage and even the structure of your home could be damaged. Before a big storm, consult with a company that specializes in garage doors to determine if yours are designed to withstand strong winds. Make any necessary repairs or improvements before the storm hits.
2. Secure Roof Shingles to Protect Your Home from Wind Damage
If the shingles on your roof are broken or damaged, your home is more vulnerable to the elements. Make sure the shingles on your roof are secured properly ahead of storm season. Roofers should use at least 6 nails or staples on each shingle, and those nails or staples should be protected by the edges of overlapping shingles.
Along with securing shingles properly, roofers should also install waterproof materials underneath them to further protect your home from water damage. If you suspect your roof was not installed properly, consult with a professional as soon as possible to get your home ready for severe weather.
3. To Protect Your Home, Cover All Windows and Doors
Install steel or aluminum storm shutters over your doors and windows to protect your home from wind damage. Storm shutters prevent high winds from breaking the glass of your doors and windows and can be closed quickly ahead of a storm.
4. Cut Down Trees That Are too Close to the Home
If you have large trees that may cause damage in a storm, it’s best to have them removed. Trees should sit far enough away so that they don’t come into contact with any structures if they fall.
Trees that are a safe distance from the home can be pruned in preparation for storm season. Removing dead or dying branches also allows more wind flow through the limbs and decreases the chances of damage in a storm.
5. To Protect Your Home from Wind Damage, Anchor Outdoor Objects
Another important way to protect your home from wind damage is by anchoring outdoor objects that could blow away. These items could sustain damage themselves or cause damage to your home or a neighbor’s home if they blow away. Secure any outdoor items like sheds, grills, or furniture to the ground so they do not become projectiles during a storm. If possible, put smaller items inside your garage.
Strong winds can be damaging to your home and property and repairs are often costly and time-consuming. It’s important to be prepared by following these tips to protect your home from wind damage before severe weather arrives.
Brothers Property Group provides home inspection services including wind mitigation inspections to Southwest Florida. Contact us to evaluate your property and help you decide what features you should consider to reinforce your home.