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Understanding the Ways Wind can Impact Your Home | SERVPRO® of East Brownsville & South Padre Island
7/1/2022 (Permalink)
If your home has been hit by damaging winds and resulting water damage, we can help 24/7!
When severe storms are on the radar, damaging winds can always be considered a threat. Often coming with little to no notice, these winds can lead to serious short-term and long-term impacts.
Tornadoes and hurricanes can be especially damaging, but they are not the only times when damaging winds can come into play. Traditionally, damaging winds are considered those with wind speeds exceeding 50–60 mph and are called “straight-line” winds, which stem from a strong thunderstorm. Their damage is different than the damage from a tornado
Anyone who lives in a thunderstorm-prone area can be at risk from damaging winds, but there are some structures that are especially at risk. Mobile homes, even those that are anchored, could be seriously damaged with wind gusts over 80 mph.
The damage from these winds can be especially destructive, causing loose items to become projectiles. Windows and the roof can take the brunt of this damage, and the damage is extensive, it can cause water damage to the inside of the home as the outside elements come indoors.
Not all high-wind circumstances come with advanced warning, as we know, but some of these action items can be taken care of with a “just in case” logic. First, if you are building a new home or renovating an older home, be sure the windows, walls and doors meet building code for your area.
Here are some suggestions on how to protect your property from damaging winds, but keep the “Two R’s” in mind: reinforce and remove.
Have a professional reinforce your garage door.
Remove or anchor loose objects on your property that could be moved or tossed by the wind. Don’t forget about the trash cans, grills and outdoor furniture.
Have a professional remove large or dying trees and branches that could be blown over on your home.