5 Tips on How to Stormproof Your Home

If you’re a homeowner, then you know that bad weather can be a big headache. Heavy rain, high winds, and even snow can cause all sorts of damage to your property. Even if you don’t live in an area prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or other types of severe weather, it’s important to take some steps to protect your home. Here are some tips on how to stormproof your home.

1. Inspect Your Roof

The most vulnerable part of your home during a storm is the roof. High winds can cause shingles to come loose and fly off, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage. Inspect your roof regularly and ensure that any loose shingles are repaired or replaced. If you live in an area with severe weather, you may want to consider installing hurricane straps or other types of reinforcement.

Storm damage coverage for your roof is also important. Ensure your home insurance policy covers damage from high winds and fallen trees. Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements, so it’s important to ensure that it is in good condition and has the proper insurance coverage.

2. Trim any Trees or Shrubs Near Your Home

Trees and shrubs can become projectiles during a storm, causing damage to your home or even injuring someone. Regularly trim any trees or shrubs near your home so that they are less likely to cause damage during a storm. This is the one thing that most homeowners don’t think about until it’s too late.

Trees and shrubs can be beautiful green additions to your home, but they need to be properly maintained. Don’t wait until a storm is on the way to trim them – make it part of your regular maintenance routine. Ensuring the immediate area around your home is free of potential hazards will go a long way in storm-proofing your property.

3. Reinforce Your Windows and Doors to Stormproof Your Home

Install storm shutters or hurricane-resistant glass, and make sure that all doors and windows are properly secured. In many cases, it’s the windows and doors that fail first during a storm, so it’s important to make sure that they are as strong as possible. If you live in an area with severe weather, you may want to consider upgrading your windows and doors to impact-resistant models.

This investment will pay off if a hurricane or severe storm hits your home. If you can’t afford to replace all of your windows and doors, then focus on the most vulnerable ones, such as those on the ground floor or facing the direction that most storms come from.

4. Have a Plan for Dealing With Power Outages

Invest in a backup generator, and stock up on essential emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food items. If you live in an area with severe weather, then you should also have a plan for evacuating your home if necessary. Know where you would go and what you would need to take with you.

Everyone in your family should know the plan and understand what to do in case of a power outage or other emergency. Having a plan will help to keep everyone safe and will make it easier to weather the storm. Also, save emergency contacts in your phone in case you lose power and can’t reach anyone.

5. Know Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

Be familiar with your homeowner’s insurance policy and what it covers. In many cases, storm damage isn’t covered by standard policies. You may need to purchase additional coverage or a separate policy in order to be protected. Also, keep an up-to-date inventory of your belongings in case you need to make a claim. Ask your insurance agent about what you need to do to protect your home and assets.

Be Proactive About Protecting Your Home

Following these five tips will help you stormproof your home and give you some peace of mind the next time a storm is headed your way. Remember, it’s always better to be prepared than sorry. Be proactive about protecting your home and your family, and you’ll be glad you did if a storm ever hits.

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash