Maintaining your property during extreme weather can be a challenge. It needs to be able to withstand high winds, heavy rains, and even snow and ice. This way, you can be sure that your property is safe and sound, no matter what the weather may bring. But, doing so can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure where to start. Here are nine ways to keep your property protected from extreme weather.
Keep Trees and Shrubs Trimmed
Trees and shrubs can be a hazard during extreme weather. They can fall and damage your property or injure people. To avoid this, keep them trimmed and free of dead branches. When trimming trees and shrubs, be sure to prune dead branches regularly and remove any broken or damaged ones.
Also, trim back any branches hanging over your roof or power lines. If the branches are too close to the house, they can damage your property if they fall during a storm. If the tree is close to your house, you may consider removing it. This is especially true if the tree is damaged or dead. And, if you have any large trees on your property, be sure to have them inspected regularly by a certified arborist. Inspection will help ensure that the tree is healthy and won’t pose a threat to your property during extreme weather.
Install Tarpaulins
Tarpaulins are a great way to protect your property from the elements. They can be placed over openings, such as doors and windows. This will help to keep out water and wind. Tarps are also useful for protecting cars and other vehicles. If possible, use breathable tarps so that moisture can escape.
Make sure to secure the tarpaulins properly as they can be blown away by the wind if not. You can do this by using ropes or stakes. If you choose to use ropes, make sure they are tied securely and placed on all sides of the tarp. To secure the tarp with stakes, place them around the perimeter of the tarp.
When installing tarpaulins, be sure to leave enough slack. If they’re too tight, they could tear in high winds.
Install Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters are a great way to protect your property from high winds and flying debris. They can be installed on windows, doors, and other openings. This will help to keep your property safe and secure during a hurricane.
If you don’t want to install hurricane shutters, you can use plywood to cover your windows and doors. This will provide some protection from the wind and flying debris. However, it’s not as effective as hurricane shutters. If you go this route, be sure to buy enough to cover all of your windows and doors. It would be best to have it cut to size and ready to go before a hurricane hits.
Reinforce Your Garage Door
To reinforce it, install a wind brace kit. This will help to keep the door from blowing in during high winds. It’s also a good idea to disconnect the automatic opener. This will prevent it from being damaged by the wind.
Other ways of reinforcing your garage door include adding weight to the bottom of the door to make it harder to blow in and adding a sealant to the door to make it airtight. Or, you can install a storm door over the garage door. This will provide an extra layer of protection.
Secure Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture can become a hazard during extreme weather. It can blow around and damage your property. To avoid this, secure it to the ground. This way, it will stay in place during high winds. You can secure outdoor furniture by tying it down or placing weights. Be sure to use heavy-duty rope or straps, and place weights on all sides of the furniture.
However, the best way to secure outdoor furniture is to bring it inside. This will not only keep it from blowing away, but it will also protect it from the elements.
Repair Leaks and Loose Shingles
If your roof leaks, it’s important to have it fixed as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to check for loose shingles. These can come off during high winds and cause damage to your roof. To avoid this, use roofing cement or nails to secure them.
It’s also a good idea to have your gutters and downspouts checked. If they’re clogged, they can cause water to back up and leak into your home. This can lead to serious damage, so it’s important to keep them clear.
When severe weather is forecasted, it’s also a good idea to have a professional check your roof. They can identify any potential problems and make repairs before the weather hits.
Ensure Your Sump Pump is Working
If your property is prone to flooding, it’s important to have a sump pump. If one fails, you’ll still have a working sump pump.
To test your sump pump, fill the pit with water. Then, turn on the pump. The water should start to drain within a few minutes. A professional can help to diagnose and fix the problem.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
To keep out water and wind, it’s important to seal any cracks or gaps in your property. You can use caulk or weather stripping to seal these cracks and gaps. If the cracks and gaps are too big, you may need to use expanding foam. This is a durable material that can fill larger spaces.
It’s also good to check for gaps around pipes and electrical wiring. These must be sealed to prevent water and pests from entering your home. With electrical wiring, it’s also important to seal the gaps to prevent fires.
Have a Safety Plan
It’s important to have a safety plan in case of extreme weather. This includes having an emergency kit and knowing where to go if you need to evacuate.
Your emergency kit should include food, water, and a first-aid kit. It’s also a good idea to include a flashlight, radio, and extra batteries. You should have enough supplies to last for at least 72 hours.
Knowing where to go is important if you need to evacuate. This could be a friend or family member’s house, a hotel, or a shelter. It’s important to have the plan to know what to do in extreme weather.
Conclusion
Extreme weather can cause serious damage to your property. Taking some simple precautions can help protect your property from high winds, rain, and flooding. If you have a plan in place, you can be sure that you and your property are safe during extreme weather. You will be able to know what to do and where to go if you need to evacuate.
