Whether a new storm is approaching, storm-proofing can go a long way to protect you and your property. But what exactly is involved in storm-proofing the exterior of a home? Let’s take a closer look at how to storm-proof your house!
Prepare Your Roof
The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home’s exterior. After all, roofing elements like tiles tend to crack and wear down in the best conditions, so a storm could send them flying.
There are several things worth checking (and having upgraded if needed) when it comes to the roof’s protection against stormy weather:
- Inspect your roof’s lead flashing to see if it is cracked or loose.
- Evaluate the status of roof tiles. Some may need to be repaired or replaced. For instance, roof shingles could be loose, cracked, or otherwise broken.
- If you have access, check whether there is any evidence of water leaks in your loft/attic. You can inspect this inside the loft rather than on the roof itself.
- Assuming your property has a chimney, confirm that the bricks and mortar are up to scratch.
* You should only undertake roof work if you are unsure of what’s involved and have the right skills. Moreover, always take the necessary safety steps.
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Specifically, when working on a roof, a second person must hold the ladder from the bottom, and you will need a harness if you want to get onto the roof. Of course, you’d need to be sure that your roof is suitable to work on first. If in any doubt, hire a professional.
Some jobs may require the work of a professional either way. If in doubt, consult a professional roofer for advice on how to proceed.
When hiring a professional, the work price will vary depending on various factors. For instance, the cost of repointing a chimney would depend on whether scaffolding is required or not.
In the case of a shed, the main concern is ensuring the roof is in good order and having it repaired if needed.
Don’t Forget Your Gutters
It would help if you cleaned your gutters (or had a professional clear them out) no less than two times per year. However, if there are plenty of trees near your property, you may want to clean them once every three months.
All gutters should be cleared of debris (e.g., leaves). After all, if your gutters end up blocked with debris, it can cause water to overflow, and ultimately, an accumulation of debris can lead to physical damage. Aside from clearing your gutters, ensure that no parts need replacing.
Read more: How To Keep Your Home Exterior Refreshed & Modernized
Fasten Doors, Gates, and Windows
Before a storm strikes, fasten doors, gates, and windows securely ahead of the arrival of strong winds. This can prevent damage to these fittings and potentially further damage if, for instance, glass or timber flings off them and strike other parts of your property or beyond.
Exterior Walls
To preserve the aesthetic and freshness of your home’s exterior, you should first check for faults in the structure and have a professional make improvements where necessary. If you’re unsure how to inspect for faults in the first place safely, you should hire a professional for this step too.
Once the structure is sound, add a plaster waterproofing additive before applying a waterproofing product. Ensure you purchase the right products/items for your wall. If in doubt, consult a professional before allowing a professional to apply the products.
Keep Your Heat Going
Whether it’s a frosty storm or just general icy conditions, freezing pipes can lead to internal water damage and cause your boiler to lock out, leaving you with no heating. A great way to prevent this is by ensuring that your heating is active one hour a day (with a timer).
To avoid other frosty issues, you should:
- Empty water features if suitable. If you have a pond with fish, you’d need to consult a professional to keep your fish healthy and alive during an icy spell.
- Clear any slippery paths and driveways that have grit on them.
- Disconnect your garden home from the faucet/fixture in your garden.
Installing Wind Break
If you want to take an extra step toward storm-proofing your home’s exterior, consider installing windbreaks in your back garden. While fencing can help, windbreaks can offer additional protection.
Final Words
Above are the 6 tips to stormproof your place. Are they helpful? Let me know in the comment section below! Thanks for visiting Greenhouse Center & I hope to see you around soon.
