Storm Proof Your Home: All You Need to Prepare for Storm Season

Preparing your roof, siding, and gutters for storm season is crucial to protect your home from potential damage. Here are some steps to storm-proof these components:

Roof:

1. Inspect for damage: Check your roof for any existing damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing, or deteriorated seals around vents and chimneys. Address any necessary repairs promptly.
2. Reinforce roof sheathing: Ensure that your roof sheathing is securely attached to the rafters or trusses. Consider adding additional fasteners or adhesive to reinforce its strength.
3. Trim tree branches: Trim back any tree branches that are close to or hanging over your roof. Strong winds can cause these branches to break and damage your roof.
4. Clean gutters and downspouts: Clear your gutters and downspouts of debris to prevent clogging during heavy rainstorms. This will help ensure proper water drainage and prevent water damage.

Siding:

1. Repair or replace damaged siding: Inspect your siding for any cracks, gaps, or signs of damage. Repair or replace any damaged sections to maintain the integrity of your home’s exterior.
2. Reinforce loose siding: Secure any loose or damaged siding panels to prevent them from being torn off by high winds. Replace missing or broken siding clips or nails as necessary.
3. Apply a weather-resistant coating: Consider applying a weather-resistant coating or sealant to your siding to enhance its durability and protect it from moisture infiltration during storms.
4. Caulk gaps and joints: Seal any gaps or joints in your siding with caulk to prevent water penetration. Pay particular attention to areas around windows, doors, and utility penetrations.

Gutters:

1. Install gutter guards: Consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris from entering your gutters and blocking the flow of water. This will reduce the need for frequent gutter cleaning.
2. Ensure proper drainage: Make sure your gutters are properly sloped to allow water to flow toward the downspouts. Adjust any sagging areas and secure loose gutter sections.
3. Reinforce gutter attachments: Check that your gutters are securely attached to your home. Replace any damaged or loose brackets and reinforce connections to prevent them from detaching in strong winds.
4. Install downspout extensions: Consider adding downspout extensions to direct water away from your home’s foundation. This helps prevent water pooling and potential flooding.
5. Use splash blocks or diverters: Position splash blocks or diverters at the base of downspouts to guide water away from your foundation and prevent soil erosion.

Regular maintenance and inspections are key to keeping your roof, siding, and gutters in good condition. If you’re unsure about any of these storm-proofing tasks, we’d love to give you a free estimate. Contact us here or call (314) 932-1042.