Winter often brings with it the threat of violent storms that can put your home at risk. But while the cold season is when the risk is the highest, your house can suffer damage from a storm at any time of the year.
The good news is that you can address this potential issue ahead of time. Storms will always happen, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of storm damage to your home when the weather gets unpleasant. The first of these is knowing how a storm can damage your home.
How Can a Storm Damage Your Home?
There are many ways that storms can wreak havoc on your home. Most often, your roof is the thing that is affected. Of course, siding and windows can also take a hit. High winds, rain, hail, snow, and ice, as well as flying debris, may all play a role.
High Winds
When storm winds start to pick up, they can hurt your home in several ways. Depending on what your roof tiles are made of—and how strong the wind is—they might even be ripped off your house. That can lead to holes, cracks, and leaks in your roof, which can cause structural damage.
High winds can also cause problems when they fling debris into the air. One of the most common culprits? Loose branches getting torn off trees. These can blow into your home, knocking roof tiles off, putting holes in siding, or causing water to accumulate.
Rain, Snow, and Ice
If you have a well-built roof that is free of gaps or cracks, rain probably isn’t going to become a problem. The main issue is when water can’t run off your roof properly. This is usually because of blocked gutters or existing damage in roof tiles or other components.
When water can’t run off your roof, it puddles in place. That can lead to leaks inside your home or even internal water damage. And that can cause structural problems and mold.
This is also typically the problem with ice and snow. We’ve all heard stories of roofs caving in under heavy snowfall, but that isn’t what usually happens. Instead, the most common way that snow and ice can hurt your home is through accumulation.
One common problem is when melting ice forms ice dams. These grooves along the edge of the roof block the gutter, causing melted ice to puddle on the roof.
Flooding
Of course, your roof isn’t the only part of your home that can be affected by a storm. Heavy rains can also lead to flooding, which can be extremely dangerous. Homes that have basements are particularly prone to flooding after storm damage.
Window Damage
Windows play a bigger role in the structure of your home than you might think. Storms can blow your windows in and cause a massive amount of damage. It’s much more than just broken glass and an unpleasant draft. The pressure of blown-in windows can even rip your roof off!
This usually only happens during severe storms. That being said, it’s definitely a good idea to make sure your windows are fortified before the next storm hits.
How To Protect Your Home From Storm Damage
Reading all of this, you might think that the next storm will blow your house over. Good news. Protecting yourself from storm damage doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. In fact, it doesn’t even need to take that much time. Here are a few simple ways to get started.
Keep Your Yard Clean
One of the easiest ways to protect your home is to keep your yard clear. Children’s toys, garden equipment, and storage items might seem harmless on the ground. But they can cause severe impact damage if high winds blow them into your roof, siding, or windows.
Make sure to trim your trees regularly, too. One of the best times to do this is during the autumn season. That way, you’ll know that the trees are in good shape when the snow starts to fall. Tree branches are prone to snapping during storms. These can become hazards, especially if the trees are close to your home.
Reinforce Your Windows
Windows blowing in during a storm can cause major damage to your home structure. To protect yourself, make sure your windows are reinforced. Some people install impact-resistant glass for optimal durability against storms. A more cost-effective method is to install storm shutters, which play the same role.
Have Your Roof Inspected
You might not notice that you have gaps or cracks in your roof when the weather is nice. But when a storm hits, it will become clear very quickly! It’s a good idea to inspect your roof at least once a year. If you have an attic, look for evidence of leaks where water might be able to enter your home.
On the outside, check for missing or damaged roof tiles or visible cracks in your chimney. If you’re not confident doing this yourself, you may want to hire a professional to make sure your roof is safe.
Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is a tedious but essential task that you should do at least once a year. These all-important parts of your roof ensure that water can run off. If leaves or debris are blocking the gutters, water can accumulate on the roof, leading to damage.
Consider Replacing Your Doors
Doors, like windows, can suffer damage when a storm hits. If they aren’t sealed properly, they can put you at risk of flooding. Consider replacing your doors with steel models. These are tightly sealed against the outdoors, making them superstars at protecting homes from storm damage.
Have Your Foundation Inspected
Not sure if your home’s foundation is adequate for protecting you from heavy rains or flooding? You may want to have a professional inspection done. An expert can help identify any damage. They will also help you understand your options for reinforcing the foundation. These range depending on the type of home you have, your climate, and other factors. Choosing the right measures for your home’s needs will help it stay even safer from storm damage.
How Paragon Designs Can Help Protect Your Home From Storm Damage
Paragon Designs helps Minnesota residents get the safe, beautiful home they deserve. Has your home already suffered storm damage? Just preparing for the winter? Our team can help you make the best choices for your property.
Contact Paragon Designs at (320) 298-2421 to inquire about our services or to request a quote!
