Storm season is already upon us. We have had two here in the UK in the last few weeks and, as the winter months close in, the winds are sure to pick up the pace again. It is well worth protecting your home against the damage that extreme weather conditions can do to your home now. It’s also worthwhile checking your insurance, to make sure it covers storm-related damage.
By planning for all eventualities, you can be saving money and heartache in the long run. Here is a checklist to help you shield your property from the worst of the weather.
Look Around
Before embarking on some of the larger preventative jobs, start small by walking around the exterior of your home and assessing what is there. If there is anything that could become a hazard once the stormy weather arrives, such as furniture, toys and wheelie bins, move them to a safer spot. Pop the summer garden chairs in the garage and move the unused plant pots to the shed.
Check Outdoor Structures
On the subject of the shed, if you have one in your garden, make sure they are sturdy and secured to a strong base. If your homemade effort is a bit rickety, now is a good time to fix the slats and mend the roof.
Cut the Trees
If there are trees or hedges close to the house, make sure they are trimmed back. Long, flailing branches can be a risk to windows. By regularly removing extra tree limbs, you are reducing the risk to your property and the surrounding buildings.
Seal Windows and Doors
Draught-excluding doors and windows are a good investment. Strong winds, rain and flood water can easily get through weakened doors and windows, so ensuring you have some with a sealant can really help to protect these entry points to the property. Thicker glass is also more likely to withstand any flying debris that hits it.
Clean the Gutters
Making sure water is flowing away from the house is important. Keeping the gutters clean and the downpipe facing away from the property allows any rainwater to stay away from the building. When checking the gutters for blockages, it is worth making sure they are secured to the roof as, if they are loose, they could be blown away from their fastenings and swing into the windows.
Assess the Roof
The roof bears the brunt of most damage caused by adverse weather. Replacing the whole thing can be costly, but, like the gutters, by regularly inspecting it twice a year, any loose slates and shingles can be fixed easily. Also, look out for leaning chimneys. If the house you live in has a wonky chimney, it could be a risk should a storm hit.
If leaning chimneys, broken rooftops and wild tree limbs are too big a job for you to manage, it is worth calling in the experts. Be sure to shop around for quotes and consider all your options to avoid spending a fortune. However, ultimately, this is an investment if it protects the property against the harm caused by bad weather.
What steps are you taking in the run-up to the stormy season? Will you be using this checklist?
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