There are two types of dads when a storm hits. One is chilling on the couch and feeling confident since he prepped his yard in advance, and then there’s the other guy, who’s sprinting outside in a downpour to save his patio cushions. When it comes to dealing with extreme weather, it’s always a good idea to be the first dad since you need to bring the Eagle Scout energy to keep your household safe. The US experiences thousands of storms per year, including an average of 18 storms reaching tropical storm status. Being unprepared increases your risks of roof, exterior, and water damage, so taking the time to storm-proof your home is the best insurance policy you can give your family.
Before the winds pick up and the power grids get tested, take a few days to prep your home’s exterior. As a dad, it’s important to keep your home in good condition, but you also need to strengthen your property’s defenses before nature unleashes its full power. To make sure that your house is ready to take a hit, here’s a checklist of essential exterior maintenance tasks to complete.
Fortify the Doors and Windows
There’s nothing more terrifying than watching parts of your home break or blow away during a storm. Flying debris and strong winds can cause glass doors and windows to shatter, and once these are compromised, high winds can rush inside, which may increase the chance of your home caving in. To prevent this from happening, you’ll need to know the structural strength of your doors and windows and find out their Design Pressure ratings. The rating is shown as a number, and the higher the number, the stronger the door or window.
A licensed window contractor can provide DP information for your home and recommend solutions to keep your abode safe. If you live in a coastal area, for instance, your door and windows’ DP rating should be 60 or higher to survive strong hurricanes. If the number is lower than the minimum, you may be advised to fortify your doors and windows with impact-resistant glass and aluminum reinforced frames.
Next, as an added layer of protection, install permanent or removable metal and polycarbonate storm shutters to shield your glass from flying debris. For a budget-friendly alternative, bolt exterior-grade plywood securely into the framing of your windows and doors. Also, keep in mind that you should never tape your windows. Some dads duct tape their windows to prevent them from breaking, but this strategy doesn’t stop glass from shattering, and it even creates larger, more dangerous shards.
Inspect the Roof and Clear the Gutters
Before the start of the storm season, call a professional to inspect your roof and check for weak spots. Replace missing or cracked shingles, then secure loose edges with roof cement. Don’t forget to seal gaps around vents and flashing to prevent water leaks.
To allow rainwater to drain freely away from your foundation, take time to remove leaves and debris from the gutters. You’ll also need to check downspouts and ensure that they direct water at least several feet away from your house.
Trim Trees and Secure Outdoor Living Spaces
Got a couple of trees in your backyard? Call an expert to trim them before the storm hits. Thinning out crowded branches allows high winds to safely pass through the tree instead of uprooting it. Doing so also protects your home since long or overhanging branches can puncture roofs, break windows, or topple onto power lines. Be sure to protect your other plants too. Bring all potted plants, hanging plants, and tender or delicate plants into your house or garage. If you can’t bring them indoors, cluster potted plants tightly against a wall or fence, making sure to put larger, heavier pots in front of the smaller ones to act as windbreak.
Once the yardwork is done, secure all the items in your outdoor living spaces. Bring in patio furniture, grills, trash cans, and accessories so they don’t become flying hazards. You may also want to bring in your kids’ movable playground equipment, such as the trampoline or the portable slides. Don’t forget to store all gardening tools in the shed, then use wedge bolts to anchor the shed’s base frame directly to the concrete slab underneath.
Taking time to prepare your exterior before a storm can give you peace of mind when the weather turns ugly. Check the list, prep the house, and sit tight with your loved ones as you ride out the storm together.
