by The storm season in Wichita is a dreaded one for many reasons. Depending on the severity, heavy storms, and hail can leave your roof battered and damaged. Common damages may include roof cracks from hailstone impact, siding damage, and more.
While homeowners cannot control the weather or its severity during this season, they can control how it impacts their homes. This article highlights how homeowners can protect their homes and roofs during the hail and storm season.
Replace Missing or Damaged Shingles
It is easy to put off certain roof repair or replacement tasks, especially during the dry and bright seasons. However, this practice can put your home at risk during severe weather. Leaving missing shingles unattended or neglecting damaged ones exposes your roof to heavy winds. Heavy wind can either damage your roof further or cost you much more in heating bills.
You can prevent this by ensuring all roofing problems are fixed ahead of the inclement weather. Be sure to nail the shingles properly if you choose to DIY.
Invest in Hail/Impact-Resistant Roof
Homeowners experiencing frequent roof problems can consider replacing their old and aged roofs ahead of the storm season. Consider investing in hail or impact-resistant roofing materials when replacing the roof. While this roofing material may be more expensive, its strength and ability to withstand various impact forces make up for the cost. Doing this will protect your property for years to come, even during the storm season.
Your home’s siding adds appeal and prevents air leakage. Failing to fix damaged or loose shingles can cost you a lot of money in heating and cooling bills. It can also cost you much more after the hail or storm season passes.
Homeowners can save money on their heating and cooling bills, as well as repair costs when they repair loose siding before the storm season starts.
If badly damaged, you can replace existing siding with fiber-cement siding because of its durability and resilience.
Outside furniture left unprotected can be ammunition during stormy weather. Not only can the furniture be hurled at your home, but it can also get damaged in the process.
Homeowners with outdoor patio furniture should invest in materials that can secure them in place during heavy winds. Alternatively, they could clear up the furniture for storage. This effectively guarantees the furniture’s safety while also preventing common damages to windows, doors, roofs, and sidings.
Trees are a great addition to the environment. They help maintain a clean and serene surrounding by converting human respiratory waste to clean air. However, they can also be a threat, especially during stormy weather.
Trees left untrimmed and unpruned often have extending or weak branches. These branches potentially threaten the roof and home during heavy storms. Homeowners can protect their homes and roof better by trimming and pruning trees to reduce threats and disasters.
Examine your Home’s Topography/Slope
The slope around your home is an important consideration ahead of the storm season. Homeowners should ensure that water flows away from their property and not towards it. This may be a great time to contact a landscaper to examine your property’s topography.
A properly sloped property can protect your foundation and basement from flooding and water damage. This can save you money, especially in water damage remediation and foundation repairs.
Rain gutters are designed to collect and transport water, snow, and ice away from the roof. This helps keep the roof dry and protect it from moisture-related damage. However, gutters sometimes get clogged by organic or inorganic materials. The clog prevents moisture from flowing freely from the roof and puts the roof in danger.
Homeowners can prepare their roofs and gutters ahead of the storm season by cleaning them out. They should also ensure that the downspouts are not clogged. This will ensure efficient water flow away from the roof and foundation.
The sump pump is an important installation for keeping the home flood-free. Sump pumps are often installed in the basement and designed to kick off when water volume reaches certain levels.
Homeowners can protect themselves from flooding during the storm by checking on their sump pumps to ensure it is active and working perfectly.
Invest in Homeowners Insurance
If you haven’t already got one, now is the perfect time to invest in homeowners insurance. This insurance product offers coverage for common damages that can affect your home during adverse weather. Be sure to read the policy and ask questions about the coverage offered.
It could significantly save you a lot of money in repair costs after the storm season has passed.
