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Outdoor Storm-Proofing | SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island has your back when you experience damage.
High winds, heavy rains, hail, tornado, hurricanes…this isn’t the weather forecast, but it is a list of some of the ways weather can leave your home damaged. While every storm comes with different levels of extremes and your location certainly matters, the threats to your property are always there.
Your responsibilities as a homeowner can often seem endless, especially when it comes to home maintenance. When you add protecting your home from that endless lists of threats to your to-do list, it can quickly feel overwhelming.
Texas weather often creates a challenging situation when it comes to being prepared. In the spring and summer we have hurricanes, strong winds and heavy rains to contend with, while in the fall and winter we have thunderstorms and flooding to watch out for. Throw in the occasional tornado and the rare freeze and keeping your Brownsville home safe can feel like a full-time job.
The best place to start when it comes to weather prep at home is outside. Take steps to prepare the outside of your home for storms so that you can keep everyone inside safe.
Don’t let getting ready for all the different kinds of weather we have become a daunting task. Preparing your home doesn’t have to be a challenge—most seasonal preparations can be worked into your regular maintenance routine.
Regardless of season or your home’s location, winds and rain will always be something you face. Trim trees in your yard, clear out your gutters regularly and pick up loose debris in order to prevent shattered windows or pooling water. Make sure items that live outside permanently, like patio furniture, are secured tightly. Keep the trash can close to a safe space so that you can stash it quickly when a strong storm is predicted.
When you are working outside, be intentional about walking around the entire exterior of your home. Check for gaps in bricks or siding and look for any signs of deteriorating wood.
Caulk around windows and door frames to prevent rain leaks, and check the roof often. You should check your roof at least four times a year thoroughly for loose or missing shingles, gaps around your gutters and any other aging that should be corrected. Take time to look at it after the winds have been high, too, so you can fix problems fast.
You can certainly prepare your home for storms at no cost with a little hard work, but there are also some home upgrades you should consider for an extra layer of protection when things get rough.
If your home does not already have them, storm shutters are a great investment. These can be permanent fixtures you can open and close at any time, or thicker covers specially designed to add on to your windows when hurricanes are predicted. Check the wind rating on your windows and look into upgrading to better materials in order to ride out storms a little safer. Gutter guards that prevent buildup are a great way to ensure heavy rains don’t spill over on your roof or cause ponding near your foundation.
If you have unattached buildings on your property, consider some additional structural reinforcements to prevent damage from winds. Modular homes should also be securely tied down to a solid foundation.
Weather alerts are an extremely crucial part of keeping everything safe and secure when things are predicted to be severe. Make sure you have two ways to receive every alert, and move to your safe space quickly when warnings are issued. If your home is damaged during a storm, call us. We are available around the clock to get restorations started fast.
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island to start restoration, 24⁄7.