No matter where you live, each season can bring violent weather changes that may damage your home and property. Before the bad weather arrives, there are a few ways that you can examine around your house and yard to be sure everything is secure and in good shape for withstanding harsh elements.
Check the Roof
If you are unable to inspect the roof yourself, contact a professional roofing contractor for assistance. It is a good idea to have your roof checked for damaged gutters, missing roof tiles, or chimney weaknesses. Schedule routine maintenance for anything that appears to have problems. High winds or loose tree limbs can cause problems or make existing damage even worse and more expensive to repair.
Look for Dangling Tree Limbs
While it is easy to find tree limbs that have already fallen off the tree, look for those that are hanging in the boughs, already detached and ready to fall, or hanging only slightly connected. Try to remove these before the storms arrive to keep them from being blown at your house where they can damage the roof, break windows, and dent the siding of your home. Check your trees periodically to find loose tree limbs before they fall suddenly and hurt someone.
Secure Loose Belongings
Move any outdoor trash cans, lawn furniture, or children's toys into your garage so they don't blow away. Take down lightweight furnishings like tents or hammocks to protect them from sustaining storm damages. Cover the porch, patio, or gazebo with a protective tarp or other gear you have available. Anything that sits outside that might be loose or fragile should be protected by covering or moving into a sheltered and enclosed area.
Ensure Outdoor Lights are Working
Since storm damage can happen quickly and unexpectedly, it is important to have lights in your yard or driveway working consistently when needed. Make sure the battery-operated lights have adequate power for the duration of the storm. Check the electric plug-in connection of outdoor light-sensitive lamp posts. Ground lights should all be working or replaced if not. Lighting for the porch, patio, or yard, such as motion detection lights, should also be checked to see if they can weather the storm.
Attention to details like these can make a difference in how well your property makes it through a tough storm that brings wind, heavy rain, snow, ice, or hail. Even a sandstorm can cause damage. Check everything on your property before the storm hits to come through it with little to no damage.
