How To Prepare Your Home For Spring Storms

Yesterday was the official first day of spring and with that benchmark now behind us, it’s time to start preparing for whatever this season might throw our way. Although many homeowners view the spring as a welcome relief from the dangers that blizzards and ice pose, this sunny season comes with its own set of threats. Thunderstorms tend to cause the most severe spring weather, as they often bring lightning, tornadoes, and flooding with them.

If you’re isolating yourself at home to stay safe from the coronavirus like many Americans are doing right now, you’ll have plenty of time to prepare your home for springtime storms. Let’s take a look at a few of the essential steps to protect your home from inclement weather this spring.

Clean Your Gutters

Your gutters likely took a beating as they faced harsh winter weather and could probably use a little TLC. Clean out your gutters so that there are no leafs, sticks, or other debris clogging them up. Any clogs can cause them to not drain properly and overflow, leading to damage to your home’s siding and foundation.

After you clean your gutters, be sure to check that they function properly. Go outside the first time it rains after you’ve cleaned them to ensure that the water is draining down and away from your home. If the water is still overflowing or leaking, you may need to repair or replace your gutters.

Check on Your Roof

The roof of your home is another major feature that takes a lot of wear and tear from mother nature. The snow and ice during winter may have damaged your roof, so you will want to check it for any missing shingles or tiles. If you spot any damage or it’s been more than 20 years since you last replaced your roof, it’s a good idea to invest in roof replacement. Replacing and repairing your roof now will ensure that your home is safe when a spring thunderstorm blows through your area.

Trim the Trees

Many homeowners are turning to yard work as a way to keep busy while they wait out the spread of COVID-19. Not only is it a good way to fill your free time, but it is also an essential step in keeping your house safe during storms. A good rule of thumb is to keep any tree limbs or branches about 10 feet away from your house. This distance will help ensure that strong winds, or even lightning, don’t cause a heavy branch to fall on or fly into your house.

Of course, you should only trim the trees on your property if you can safely do so. Don’t put your own safety at risk in an attempt to chop off a dead branch that is a bit too close to your home. Call a professional to handle these trickier trimmings.

Thunderstorms often come quickly and unexpectedly. If your home isn’t prepared to handle these storms, you risk facing expensive repair bills afterwards. Even worse, your family won’t be properly protected from the dangers of a storm. By following these steps, you can keep your home, family, and wallet safe from the disastrous consequences of severe spring storms.