Whipping winds, hail storms, and torrential rain are the last thing homeowners want to worry about, yet they can wreak havoc on your property. While you may not always be able to prevent disaster, it’s essential to learn how to protect your home in a storm.

Our homes are a significant investment, so it’s vital to invest in preventative measures to keep them safe and sound during severe weather. High winds often associated with thunderstorms, hurricanes, and other severe rainstorms can wreak havoc on your home. They can also carry flying debris that can dent your roof.

While you can’t completely prevent these things from destroying your roof system, there are some cost-effective ways to minimize storm damage to keep you safe.

13 Great Ways to Protect Your Home During Storm Season

There are so many ways to help safeguard your home against upcoming harsh storms. Some of the ways that you can help protect your home from severe storms include:

1) (Fortify) Your Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against severe weather. Take the time to fix any missing or damaged shingles. If your property is especially prone to heavy debris damage, you can also add impact-resistant shingles.

2) Clear Out Dead or Damaged Trees

Don’t underestimate the power of strong winds that can whip around your yard, breaking up rotten or loose tree limbs. Keep your trees properly trimmed and remove damaged trees as needed. It’s also a good idea to ensure that any full-grown tree is properly planted away from your home. A good rule of thumb is around 40 feet away.

3) Review Your Home’s Insurance Policy

While a regular homeowner’s policy will most likely include storm damage, make sure to verify what coverage you have. This will help you file a claim faster and more efficiently after a storm.

4) Regularly Document Your Home’s Items

Severe weather can damage more than your home’s exterior. Excess water can put pressure on foundations, break windows, and can even lead to water damage. That’s why it’s good practice to keep a list of your belongings, take photos of your interiors, or videotape your interior for reference.

5) Unplug Electrical Appliance During Power Outages

By unplugging your devices, you can help prevent power-surge damage once the storm is over and power is restored. Another great way to protect against this is by using surge protectors.

6) Invest in Storm Shutters

A great way to protect your windows and glass doors is by adding storm shutters for additional support. Storm shutters protect against flying debris. Property owners can also add stormproof high-impact glass or shatter-resistant film as well. It’s also a good idea to invest in steel doors, and install special storm shutters, metal storm panels, or steel entry doors.

7) Reinforce Doors

Double-entry doors and garage doors can fail under immense wind pressure. Therefore, a great way to support these types of doors is with reinforced structures. Considered adding a heavy-duty deadbolt, using longer hinge attachments, and adding slide bolts on the doors. By installing steel entry doors and these other reinforcements, you can help keep out flying debris from your interior.

8) Seal Windows

Properly-functioning windows help lock out the rain and other harsh elements. To prevent water damage, make sure to seal gaps and cracks in all your windows, make other repairs, or replace windows and frames. Caulking around your doors, windows, and any exterior pipes is a great way to keep your home in good shape.

9) Secure Outdoor Items

how to protect a house in a storm furniture

Loose shingles and tree limbs aren’t the only thing that could damage your home in a storm. That’s why it’s essential to secure lawn furniture, trash cans, and all additional loose items. The last thing you want is for heavy winds to turn your lawn furniture into dangerous projectiles that can puncture your home.

10) Inspect Fences, Porches, and Sheds

Any outdoor structure near your home should be inspected to see if they are firmly attached and structurally sound. Loose fence pieces and shed door doors can become hazardous during high winds, so look them over thoroughly.

11) Rethink Rock Landscaping

This may be controversial, but it’s a good idea to replace gravel and rock materials if you live in an area with high-speed winds or a hurricane season. These materials can easily be picked up during a severe wind event and rip through vinyl siding or pelt cars.

12) Anchor and Protect Fuel Tanks

For those of you that have exterior utilities or fuel tanks, anchor or tie them down. This preventative measure reduces the risk of sliding, flipping, or being picked up by winds.

13) Don’t Forget About the Gutters

Gutters are one of the best ways to help direct water away from your home’s foundation. Before severe weather season begins, it’s always a good idea to make sure you don’t have clogged gutters and downspouts. Double-check that they aren’t damaged and are properly secured.

Take Additional Severe Weather Precautions

Hurricane season can cause lingering problems beyond broken windows or water damage. If the power goes out, any debris covers the roads, or flooding closes shops and stores, you need to have a plan of action. Before a storm begins, make sure to take these additional precautions:

Stash canned foods
Get extra nonperishable food items
Pile blankets and extra dry clothing
have a battery-operated radio
Store fresh water in airtight containers
Create a “game plan” with your loved ones

By taking these additional steps, you can help feel more prepared for severe weather. Make sure to tailor any security measures to your home. Also, remember that it’s a good idea to connect with neighbors and see if they need help before, during, or after a severe storm.

Safeguard Your Home Today

Don’t get caught with a weakened home during storm season. Learn how to protect your home from severe weather. By applying these helpful tips, you can create protection plans for high winds, heavy rains, and everything in between.

Even after careful planning, severe storms can still ravage your home. Thankfully, you can turn to Scro’s Roofing Company for all your roofing needs. If hurricane season has left your roof in disrepair, Scro’s has you covered. Our roofing experts can assess any damage, offer careful consultations, and make timely repairs.

Reach out today for a free storm damage inspection!

We had significant hail damage due to the May 2016 hail storm in Cary, and warded off all the storm chasers that came through our area for 2 months after. I called Scro’s Roofing after the insurance adjusted had written off the roof, and they worked us into their busy schedule. Amazing job done by an amazing and hard-working crew. I was impressed by the way they used tarps to protect the landscaping around the house, and Patricia was pretty particular about cleaning up after the crew. Danny was a pleasure to work with, and he provided several improvements to our roof like a installing a chimney cricket and ridge vents. We used Moire black shingles and the roof looks...

Larry O. | Cary, NC

In life you get what you pay for and this is certainly true with Scro’s Roofing. There are so many “fly be night” roofing companies out there who do not have the long standing customer service and support that a local roofing company can offer. Everyone should take the time to educate themselves about the roofing process and the track record of the company, as this is a very larger investment and an area where you don’t want to cut corners. The team at Scro’s Roofing provided me with many educational links and never pressured me into a sale. They wanted to ensure that I fully understood the process and trusted that I would make an intelligent decision. This sharing...

Kevin A. | Wake Forest, NC

Scro’s Roofing installed a new roof on our home and everything went exactly as planned and scheduled. The installation crew covered all our plants and deck when removing the roof and then cleaned up perfectly when the job was done. We were kept informed all along the job from start to finish so we knew how and when everything would be done. I’ve never experienced a contractor, a company or an owner like Danny who worked with us on every detail. Further, we had gotten several other quotes with Scro’s being the best. This project couldn’t have been done more smoothly… We greatly appreciate Danny the owner and Sarah our scheduling contact. They both were there for all and every...

Joe V. | Cary, NC

We just had our roof done by Scro’s Roofing, and we are very happy with the results. Danny and his office were very helpful in answering all of my questions. I did a good bit of research beforehand, and after talking with Danny, I had a lot of confidence that they are up to date on best practices and latest materials. In particular, I liked that they hand nail the shingles, use a synthetic underlayment instead of tar paper, install a drip edge, and provide a 10-year labor warranty. The thing about getting a new roof is that most people may not find out whether the installer did a bad job or used inferior materials for 5-10 years when they...

Matt B. | Cary, NC

The big hail storm of May 2, 2016 did extensive damage to our roof (and Leaf-Guard gutters as well). Our insurance company appraised the roof and said it all needed to be replaced. My first choice was again Scro’s Roofing. I was not about to use one of the “storm chasers” that descended on our neighborhood like carpetbaggers from who knows where. Danny, the owner of Scro’s Roofing looked up my record from seven years ago and was able to give me an estimate almost immediately from the information he already had on file. Their estimate was within a couple percent of what our insurance had already written a check which made the decision to go with Scro’s Roofing again...

David C. | Cary, NC

I had a great experience working with Danny and his team. Danny even recommended a less expensive roofing product based on our needs. Sarah was so helpful and accommodating throughout the process. I wish all home repairs/renovations were this easy and professional. A wonderful company to work with!

Kate L. | Cary, NC