The house is one of the biggest investments you will ever make in your life. Beyond the actual house, it holds your possessions and is the ideal place to hide in case a storm strikes. A lot of people will think of installing custom house shutters whenever a storm is mentioned. However, there are other precautionary measures you should take to minimize or even eliminate damage whenever a storm is approaching.
Install Shutters
Installing shutters is the default action many homeowners think of whenever a storm is approaching. These shutters are installed on windows and doors to protect them from flying debris that comes with the storm. Mere installation of the shutters will not protect your house unless they meet the quality required.
The level of protection offered by shutters depends on the material used and whether it can withstand the kind of storm coming. Hire an expert to guide you on different materials used in the production of shutters and the level of protection each material will provide. Prepare to invest in quality shutters that can withstand a heavy storm.
Clear Gutters and Drainage Systems
Storms usually come with heavy rains. The excessive water does not sip into the ground as fast as you would expect. This leaves a lot of it flowing as runoff. Some areas will flood based on the terrain.
Clearing gutters and the entire drainage system ensures that water has a clear path to flow. If flood water is blocked by clogged external drainage or debris on your gutters, it will spill over and cause more damage to your overall infrastructure.
Check Your Roof and Sidings
The integrity of your house will depend on how well the roof holds. A damaged roof will easily be blown off by the strong wind. Where a lot of water is flowing within a short time, it will cause the roof to collapse at the weakest point.
Invite a roof repair specialist to assess the state of your roof. The technician should assess the internal and external condition of the roof. Repairs will be done on areas where weaknesses have been identified. This protects the roof that is likely to be brought down by the weight of debris flying during the storm.
Clear Bushes Around the House
Trees and bushes around the house should be cleared before the storm hits your area. Falling trees and branches will cause extensive damage to the house and other installations within the compound. This damage might extend to utility infrastructure beyond causing injuries.
Falling branches will also crush your decorative house shutters and in the process, expose the frame of your house to the possibility of more damage. Old branches should be removed because they are the most likely to fall when the storm comes. Branches and old trees will also cause injuries to people within the vicinity.
Invest in a Sump Pump and a Generator
The possibility of water finding its way into your house is very high during a storm. You cannot wait for the floods to subside in order to clear the basement or affected rooms. The damage done could already be too much. The sump pump will come in handy.
The generator supplies power when your utility lines are damaged. You will need the power to keep people warm and the necessary appliances running. Power also helps to charge satellite phones for communication in case you need emergency rescue. Store the generator and fuel in a safe place where it will not be damaged during the storm.
Lift Items Off the Floor
Storms are usually unpredictable in terms of the damage they can cause and how it will turn out. A small hole or break on the wall may cause flooding that gets to appliances on the floor faster than you can take action. Lift what is possible off the wall just in case there is a flood.
It is impossible to lift everything off the floor. However, you can remove appliances and items that can be damaged with no possibility of restoration.
Review the Frame of Your House
Check the integrity of your overall house. A breached wall, for example, will crumble under pressure from flood water or when hit by debris. This will cause damage to the entire house. Assess the integrity of the entire house and make interventions where necessary.
Review Your Insurance
The cost of restoring a house after a storm can be punitive. Luckily, you have insurance companies that cover the cost of storm damage. Review the items or elements of damage that are covered by your current policy. Ensure your insurance is updated and still valid.
Update yourself on where to report and the documents required when making a claim. You will want to keep these documents safely so that they are not damaged by the storm. Such updates will make the process of recovery easier.
Cover and Protect Outdoor Installations
Every home has outdoor installations that are crucial for its operation. They include grills, shades, and extensions of such systems as air conditioning. The storm does not spare such installations. They, therefore, need to be covered even as you protect the inside of your house. This will reduce the overall damage and cost of restoration for the compound.
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Work With Your Neighbours to Clear the Area
While you take personal precautions, it is necessary to consider the dangers that surround you in the entire area. They range from trees to blocked flood drainage and walls that might hold water back. Inspect the area around your house to see the level of exposure.
The best protection against an impending storm is the installation of outdoor house shutters. However, these shutters form part of a wider scheme to protect your house and compound. You need to prepare for the worst because storms are usually unpredictable.
The cost of protecting your house against a storm is way lower than restoring the house after damage. Inspect all elements of the house and use quality materials to cover exposed areas. The Safety of people and items in the house will depend on the measures taken to provide protection.
