Weather Related Damage And How To Deal With It

While we all hope that nothing ever goes wrong in our homes, it’s important to be prepared for the worst. Whether a bad storm has come through, or a pipe has burst in the bathroom, a lot of expensive damage can easily be done. 

Homeowners insurance is important to have for when things go bad and your home is damaged. It helps to cover the costs of repairing or replacing things, but there are some things that you can do to help prevent damage in the first place, like learning some DIY skills or making use of tools like water leak detection sensors. 

Wind

High winds can cause extensive damage to homes and property. They can uproot trees, damage your roof, or send outdoor furniture flying into your windows. If the weather forecast calls for strong winds, look around the outside of your house and see what could potentially hit it. Take sensible precautions like keeping trees pruned away from structures and making sure they stay healthy. Put away anything usually left outside if winds are going to be stronger than normal. 
After a weather event involving strong winds, be sure to walk around your property to look for any shingles that may have been blown away. If you suspect damage, it’s always a good idea to get it inspected to prevent water intrusion the next time it rains.

Water

When you think of water damage to a home, you might think that the weather is likely to be the most common cause, but domestic water is actually more often the culprit of water damage. Things like your dishwasher, washing machine, and toilets can all cause leaks. 

Know where the sources of water are in your home, and carry out regular inspections under the sinks. If your washing machine has a rubber hose, check it yearly to make sure it isn’t wearing out, for example. If you’re going to be away from your home for a long period of time, you should consider turning off the main water valve, so you know no leak can cause damage undisturbed while you’re away. 

Of course, heavy rain and flooding can cause lots of damage too, but there are lots of things that you can do to prevent damage. Make sure your roof is always in good condition, and replace any old, worn-out shingles. Make sure any downspouts are directed away from your home and keep your gutters clean. If you have a basement with a sump pump, make sure it’s in working order.

If you live in a colder climate, be sure to take care of outdoor spigots before it starts freezing. You can buy winter covers at hardware stores to prevent them from freezing and causing the pipes to burst.

Hail

Hail will affect different areas of the country, and there’s not a lot that you can do to avoid it. If you have a car, protect it from hail damage by moving it under a carport or in a garage if you can. If there are other things outside your home that could be damaged by hail, such as patio furniture, move it indoors or under a covered area if you can.