Safeguard Your Home from Storm Damage and Prevent Costly Repairs

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: The team at SERVPRO of Coppell and West Addison gives their best advice for preventing storm damage and protecting your home.

Storm damage comes in many different forms. Heavy rains and floods cause rotting structures, sinking foundations, and mold growth. Plus, the wind knocks down trees, branches, and power lines that can fall right through the roof. 

Fortunately, there is a lot that homeowners can do to protect what is most valuable to them. Team Shaw at SERVPRO Coppell and West Addison does not just perform restorations. They take time to help their clients with every step of the process, including working with insurance.

Keep reading to learn how to prevent storm damage and safeguard a home.

Trim Nearby Trees and Branches

Trees are a sizable problem whenever stormy weather affects your region. When heavy winds roll through, branches can snap and fall through one's roof or scratch windows. They also get caught in power lines and cause blackouts.

Homeowners should trim trees and shrubs regularly, keeping them away from their property and lessening potential outside damage. 

Take Care of Loose Shingles and Siding

When a shingle falls off your roof, even small gaps let in precipitation that can cause massive leaks. As siding comes loose, the weakened structure crumbles more easily under falling trees and poles. 

Replace all loose shingles and siding immediately. Otherwise, they can become a critical and costly problem down the line.

Clean Gutters Regularly

Uncleaned gutters can lead to a clogged downspout and flooding that could damage a homeowner's roof and siding. Plus, rotting leaves and debris will destroy the pipes over time. 

Cleaning gutters once every season will help prevent these issues. Ensure the downspout points are far from the house, averting a rotting foundation.

Maintain the Sump Pump

All homeowners need a quality sump pump to prevent basement flooding from storm damage. This is especially true for those living in basement apartments.

Before the rainy season starts, double-check to see that the sump pump works properly. Perform all routine cleanup or repairs as soon as possible, and check the pump thoroughly after each storm. 

Check Sealings on Doors and Windows

Closed doors and windows cannot do much to protect a home if they do not have durable seals. Even indoor items can fall over and break with strong enough wind gusts.

Check seals by tapping on glass windows or holding up a lit candle. If the glass rattles or the flame flickers, have a professional fix them immediately.

Look For Anything That is Not Tied Down

Heavy winds surprise homeowners in the worst possible ways. Once they arrive, anything not nailed down can instantly become dangerous. If winds move fast enough, items such as potted plants can cause property damage or bodily injuries without warning.

Check all fence posts regularly by giving them a good shake, and pack all loose ones down tightly. Take things like outdoor furniture, decor, and extra tools inside the home or garage during storms. 

SERVPRO of Coppell and West Addison Helps Every Step of the Way

Of course, all the planning in the world cannot prevent storm damage completely. That is why the team at SERVPRO of Coppell and West Addison provides emergency services 24/7. 

They get straight to work, treat your home like their own, and keep you in the loop throughout the process. After protecting their client's homes, they can come back and perform preventative maintenance if necessary.

Call Team Shaw of SERVPRO of Coppell and West Addison, TX, at (972) 233-8400 to schedule storm damage restoration services today.