Each year in the U.S., about one in 40 insured homes has a property damage claim attributed to wind or hail, according to the Insurance Information Institute. With severe weather on the rise, this number is only likely to increase. So how can you protect your biggest investment? JMC² Civil Engineering can attest that preventing damage to your home is easier and cheaper than repairing it after the fact.
Whenever your area’s severe weather season usually begins, you can prepare by inspecting your house for problem areas ahead of time, making needed repairs as soon as possible, and clearing away any outside debris. Here are some more specific tips for the most common types of weather you’re likely to face.
Home Weather Hazards
Rain: Travelers notes that your home is 10 times more likely to be damaged by water than by fire, and during a downpour, it is easy for water to get into your house. Heavy rain can make your roof leak and your basement flood and cause damage to outside walls and shrubs. To keep the rain from getting in and avoid flooding, regularly check your basement for leaks and your roof for damage, keep your gutters clear, and seal your windows and doors.
Wind: Wind and rain often go together, but high winds don’t have to come with rain to break windows and doors, damage roofs, and even cause structural damage to your home. To minimize wind damage, make sure your windows, roof, and siding are all strongly secured, clean up yard debris, and trim any nearby trees.
When Prevention Isn’t Enough
No matter how well you prepare, sometimes the weather will damage your house in spite of your best efforts. If rain, wind, or storms have wreaked havoc on your home, arrange for repairs as quickly as you can to keep the damage and expense from growing. For larger projects, such as when trees are fallen or damaged, search and find tree removal services near you — these professionals will have equipment and experience adequate for clearing up your property.
Don’t let the rush to repair your home make you reckless, though. When arranging repairs, first seek recommendations from family, friends, and acquaintances. Be sure to stick to fully insured and licensed contractors, and be wary of scammers who may try to take advantage of severe weather.
Home repairs due to storm damage aren’t cheap, so also get multiple quotes before moving forward. Keep in mind that if your roof has suffered significant weather-related damage, not having it repaired will likely impact your home’s value if you plan on selling — you can expect an approximate 63 percent ROI on a roof replacement. You might think that selling is a way out of costly repairs, but it’s actually a point of negotiation for buyers.
Weather hazards aren’t seasonal, they’re year-round. Snow and ice in the winter. Heavy rains in the springtime. Summer storms. This means it’s time — now — to take these tips to heart and safeguard your home and your family.
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