Hurricane season is never easy to predict, and it is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to protecting your home from severe weather. One of the parts of your home that deserves attention is your roof. Take time before hurricane season begins to inspect your roof and the rest of your home and determine what steps you can take to prevent damage from a potential hurricane this year.
If you are looking for ways to protect your home from hurricane damage, there are a few best practices you can follow that may potentially save you thousands in repair costs and other losses. Able Roof wants our customers to stay as safe as possible with sturdy and reliable roofing, and the following tips can help you handle hurricane season more safely and in greater comfort.
Clear Your Gutters
One of the simplest yet potentially most effective steps you can take toward protecting your home during hurricane season is to clean your gutters thoroughly. Unless you have gutter shields installed, your home’s gutters will accumulate debris over time, and it’s a good idea to remove this debris regularly.
Clearing the gutters around your home means that storm rains can flow into your home’s drainage system more easily. Storm rains also often carry debris, so any sticks, leaves, and other bits stuck in your gutters will allow new debris to accumulate in the gutters more easily. This could lead to the gutter flooding and breaking from the roof, or it could lead to a spillage against the house’s side that leaks into the underlying structure. In either case, clearing the gutters before hurricane season is a great idea, and you should make it a habit to check them again after severe storms.
Trim the Trees on Your Property
Trees are beautiful additions to any property, but they pose inherent dangers during hurricane conditions. If you have an older tree with very large, overhanging limbs, it’s a good idea to have a tree trimming service visit your property before the hurricane season fully takes hold. Trimming back your trees may not only protect your home from damage during a severe storm but also make landscaping easier and ensure your trees grow as healthy as possible.
Strong winds may rip branches off trees or cause large trees to uproot and topple over. This could be very dangerous for your home, or it may even destroy a shed or vehicle on your property, depending on how the tree falls. If you have trees near your home, make sure they are trimmed as far as possible from your home itself. If there are any diseased, decaying, or dead trees very close to your home, it is always best to have them removed as soon as possible as they will be very brittle against hurricane winds and will likely break apart, sending pieces flying into your home.
Install Storm Shutters
Storm shutters are a great option if you want to limit the risk of property damage to your home during hurricane season. These devices support your doors and windows and protect them from high winds and impact damage from flying debris. You can also rely on storm shutters for added security while you’re away from home for an extended time.
It’s prudent to invest in these security features if you plan on remaining in your home for as long as possible, and they can add significant property value if you ever decide to sell your home and move. Depending on the security level you want, it may be possible to install remote controls and other safeguards that allow you to protect your home more seamlessly from virtually anywhere.
Store Outdoor Furniture and Other Items
It’s natural to want to spend time outside, but you should keep all your outdoor furniture and other outdoor items secured during hurricane season when not in use. This includes lawn chairs, lawnmowers, and decorative potted plants. It’s best to secure these items inside your home, garage, or storage shed whenever you do not use them or whenever the weather turns severe.
If you have a garage attached to your home, it’s wise to park your vehicle inside it when there is a hurricane heading your way. It’s common for flood conditions to sweep vehicles out of their parking spots, and appropriate precautions could prevent you from needing to file an auto insurance claim after a hurricane.
Reinforce Entryways
Some of the entryways of your home are more inherently secure than others. For example, your front door may be more resilient against hurricane winds than your garage door. Investing in some reinforcement for your home’s entryways can prevent costly repairs in the future and offer peace of mind during hurricane season.
Review Your Homeowners’ Insurance Policy
It’s common for insurance policyholders to assume their coverage is more extensive than it is. It’s vital to regularly review your insurance policies to ensure the coverage you are paying for is suitable for your needs. Homeowners’ insurance coverage can be particularly tricky. For example, your policy may include water damage coverage, but it may only apply to water damage from burst pipes and structural damage, not storm weather. It’s vital to review your policy carefully and determine the full extent of your coverage.
In addition to protecting your home itself with an appropriate homeowners’ insurance policy, it may be worth your time to conduct an inventory of your home and determine which of your possessions might qualify for insurance protection. This additional security layer can help soften the financial blow if your home sustains any level of damage from a hurricane.
Schedule a Roofing Inspection
It’s safe to assume that during a hurricane, your home’s roof is going to bear the brunt of the force of the storm. It’s vital to ensure your roof is in the best condition possible to stand up to hurricane conditions. For example, if you think your roof is already nearing the end of its reliable lifespan, it’s probably best to arrange a replacement sooner rather than later.
An experienced roofer can inspect your home’s roof and identify any potential areas of concern, such as structural weakness, faltering water protection, and physical damage from wear and tear. Able Roof can schedule a professional roofing inspection so you can approach hurricane season with more confidence. Contact us today to schedule a roofing inspection with our team.
