Everyone knows the saying “April Showers bring May Flowers.” After a long and brutal winter, April showers can be music to your ears, but along with the showers usually comes the storm. No matter where you live, inclement weather can affect you with little warning. This becomes especially true during the spring storm season where the weather is even more unpredictable than usual. Intense winds, heavy rains, lingering blizzards, hailstorms, tornadoes, and floods are all possible and can wreak havoc on your home leaving you spending your summer vacation savings on costly home repairs.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to prepare and prevent excessive damage to your home before disaster strikes. Find out what kind of damage can happen and what you can do to minimize these possibilities.
What Kind of Damage Can a Spring Storm Cause?
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Roof or structural damage to your walls from a fallen tree or high winds
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Broken windows from hail storms or objects thrown by heavy wind
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Lightning strikes, which could lead to a fire
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Fallen or damaged power lines due to large tree branches
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Water damage caused by loose or damaged shingles, clogged gutters, or leaking roofs
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Flooding in your basement or home
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Loss of electricity
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Animal infestations caused by critters looking for shelter during the storm
Steps to take BEFORE a Spring Storm Strikes
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Clean out gutters and downspouts – Clogged gutters, drains, and downspouts can lead to roof damage during a storm. Dirt and debris can cause water to be unable to flow away from the roofline, adding weight to your roof and potentially causing a roof collapse.
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Seal your windows, doors, and roof – Check the seals around your doors and windows. Look for loose screws and cracked caulking, and make repairs if necessary. Next, inspect your roof. If you find any missing or damaged shingles, an area of sagging, or other damage, have your roof professionally inspected before a storm hits.
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Search for cracks in the foundation – Even small cracks in your foundation or basement can put your home at risk of major damage during a spring storm. If water seeps in through the cracks, your home could be in danger of flooding. Furthermore, high winds can make existing cracks prone to widening, causing significant structural damage throughout the home. If you find or suspect any cracks in your foundation or basement, call a professional to seal them.
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Install a backflow valve in your basement to prevent sewage backup – Heavy rain can cause municipal sewer systems to become overtaxed, creating the possibility for excess water to flow backward through your home’s sewer lines. Consider installing a sewer backflow valve to divert unexpected water away from your sewer lines and back to your city’s sewage system.
Even after taking all of these precautions, Mother Nature can still win the battle against your home. If you do experience any storm damage the first thing you should do is ensure that you and your family are safe. After the storm has subsided you will want to turn off any damaged gas, electric, or water lines, inspect the damage and take pictures, and call your insurance company.
If a storm causes damage to your home, you will want to take the necessary steps toward recovery as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence. SERVPRO knows how important every second is when dealing with a disaster at home and a call to them means you are well on your way to professional and fast home restoration with peace of mind. Call 1-800-SERVPRO as soon as possible after a storm, they are faster to any disaster so you can be sure help is on the way!