Weatherproof your home
There are a few steps you can take to protect your home against
severe weather:
- Clean out clogged gutters and downspouts
. If the rain that accompanies a
heavy storm can’t run through the gutters and downspouts, it will spill
over the sides, landing in areas where it can soak through to your home’s
foundation, causing flooding and structural damage.
-
Keep the elements out.
Try to prevent wind and water
from entering through windows, cracks, entry doors and garage doors. Especially
in hurricane-prone areas it is important to seal your windows and doors as
tightly as possible. You can purchase and install special storm shutters
to cover your windows.
-
Secure all doors.
If you live in an area that frequently gets heavy
storms, consider installing steel entry doors. High winds can easily tear
through double doors, French doors and sliding patio doors that have no
structural support between the two sides. You may need to purchase and
install special hardware to more adequately secure the doors where they
meet. Try bolts that fasten the door into the framing at the top and the
bottom.
-
Check your roof.
A strong roof is another essential element in preparing
your house to withstand a severe storm. Apply sealing around your home’s
chimney or vent pipes. This will help prevent water from seeping into your
home. Hire a contractor to check the structural integrity of the roof
system.
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