Categories: Home Improvement

5 Things You Should Do To Prepare For A Storm

September 16, 2015

Are you worried that a change in seasons will bring more storms to your area? Being prepared for storms is an important part of home ownership. By prepping your property for bad weather, you can minimize damage and recover faster from any damage that does happen. Check out these five tips on prepping for storms.

Inspect your Gutters

Moisture needs somewhere to go when it falls during a storm. Guide it where you want it to go by inspecting your gutters before a storm. According to Preparing for Fall Storms, gutters can’t work properly when clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. And gutters that don’t function properly cause water to spill over their edges. The spillage can lead to a range of problems including a damaged house foundation, mold and more.

The equipment you’ll likely need to inspect your gutters includes a ladder, gloves, a bucket and safety goggles. If you don’t feel comfortable completing this job alone, look for a professional in your area who specializes in gutter cleanings and inspections.

Improve Lawn Drainage

Most lawns have spots that never seem to drain properly. If a portion of your yard is always soggy or stays covered in water long after a storm has passed, it may be time to improve your lawn’s drainage. Take a soil sample from the waterlogged area and determine if a clay-based soil is to blame for the poor drainage. If it is, consider whether adding more sand to the soil will fix the problem.

You can also work with wet spots in your lawn by landscaping the area with plants that love moisture. This plan of attack will allow you to water less often while still maintaining a beautiful landscape.

Look for Leaks

A leaky foundation leads to a weak house. If you own an older home or are concerned about poor lawn drainage, inspect your home’s foundation. Cracks and wet spots could be telltale signs that you need a professional to look at the foundation. Correct any leaks and issues promptly and fix any drainage issues that caused the foundation problems.

Test your Windows

How prepared are your windows for the next major storm? Old windows or windows made from inferior quality materials affect your heating and cooling abilities and can even be dangerous when hit with high winds. A few elements of your windows to test include looking for cracks or gaps in the frames, searching for mold and mildew and more. Again, if you aren’t comfortable with tackling this task alone, hire a local window professional to complete the inspection.

Prepare your Heating System

After several months of being dormant, your heating system may not be ready for the upcoming change in seasons. Keep your heating system running smoothly by inspecting and cleaning it before using it again as cold weather approaches. A few ways to prepare your heating system include replacing filters, cleaning your chimney, cleaning your ducts and more.

Don’t wait until the rain is pouring to prepare for a storm. Rather, plan ahead for storms by inspecting your gutters, improving lawn drainage and more. The more prepared you are for a storm, the less damage you can expect.

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