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Storm-Proofing From the Outside | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito has your back when you experience flood and water damage.
There are so many potential risks to your home from weather. Wind, hail, heavy rain, hurricanes and flooding all pose different threats that could cause complete chaos in your life. While the extremes will change seasonally and vary according to where you live, the threat is always present and something you should be prepared for.
Taking care of your home can feel pretty overwhelming just with regular maintenance. When you add in getting ready for severe storms and the endless amount of threats you might face, it can all be pretty daunting to think about.
Texas weather is always a mixed bag, with longer seasons of warmth than a lot of regions bringing the possibility of severe thunderstorms, heavy rains and even occasional tornadoes year-round. In the spring and summer, we also have to be prepared for the possibility of hurricanes.
In order to avoid damage, the best place to start your prep work is outside. Spend some time caring for the exterior of your home so that you can stay safe and cozy through every storm.
While it might feel like a lot, protecting your home from severe weather doesn’t have to become a full-time job. Actually, there are a lot of ways you can incorporate some preparation steps into your regular routines in order to ensure you are always ready.
Wind and heavy rains are a force of nature pretty much everyone everywhere will have to contend with year-round. Regularly clean out your gutters and trim trees near your home to prevent flying debris that could smash windows and puddles of water that could work their way into your foundation. Keep outdoor furniture tied down or have a place to stash it quickly when things are getting rough. Get the kids involved and play “who can pick up the most sticks” to keep the yard clean.
At least once a week, walk the exterior of your home and look for signs of aging. Take note of gaps in bricks or siding and snap pictures of rotting wood so you can replace it. Make sure windows and doors are well-sealed, and get to be good buddies with your roof. Give your roof a complete inspection at least four times a year, looking for missing or loose shingles, spacing around any chimney or other piping or any other issues you should correct.
Keeping your home safe doesn’t have to cost you anything, but there are a few home upgrades you might consider to create the safest home possible.
If you don’t already have them, consider adding storm shutters to your windows. These are a great way to get your home hurricane-ready in a hurry. Check on the wind rating for your windows as well, and consider updating them to thicker materials. Gutter guards on your roofline gutters can be a great way to prevent buildup and keep water flowing, especially when the driving rains of a hurricane blow in.
Make sure your outbuildings have proper structural reinforcements to withstand the abuse of sustained winds. Modular homes should also have additional tie-downs in order to stay in place during severe weather.
Get to know the different kinds of warnings that come along with our weather, and always have two ways to receive alerts. Make sure the whole family knows where the safest part of your home is and where your emergency supplies are stored. If you do end up with damage after bad weather, call SERVPRO®. We are available 24⁄7 to get your life back in order fast.
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to start restoration, 24⁄7.