At the end of this last June, a line of severe weather moving from west to east ripped through Connecticut and damaged a number of homes. Trees fell, thousands of houses were without power, and a 77-mile per hour wind gust was recorded at Bradley Airport. While we get few hurricanes and tropical storms in our state, severe weather generally is still a threat that can do lasting damage to your property.
As a homeowner, there are many things you can do to protect your home from the driving wind and other forces that can cause expensive property damage.
At this time of year, we recommend that homeowners take some time to protect and secure their property. By addressing deferred maintenance, taking proactive steps to protect your home from falling trees, and anticipating problems like power outages, you can help prevent problems during the next string of storms. A good contractor is your partner in this process.
Address General Maintenance
Deferred maintenance can weaken your home during a storm. Take time this summer to make a list of deferred maintenance projects and address those projects one by one. Examples of maintenance tasks to consider:
- Repair broken windows
- Inspect your roof and, if needed, have it repaired or replaced
- Clean and repair your home gutters
- Clear away lawn debris
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows, refresh caulking and weatherstripping
- Repair or replace broken exterior doors, fix broken locks
Be Proactive About Trees
Falling trees and large branches cause a lot of damage to homes, cars, garages, and property generally. Diseased and dying trees are especially vulnerable because they're weaker and may fall over more easily. That said, any tree that's too close to your house poses a threat.
This is what you can do to protect your home from falling trees and branches:
- Get expert help. Have your trees inspected by an aborist that can identify dying trees and what can be done about them.
- Trim trees as needed. Cut down overhanging tree branches and consider cutting down trees that are close to your home, even if they don't have overhanging branches.
- Inspect trees annually. Inspect your trees annually and cut down branches that appear to be dead. If many branches die at once, have the tree inspected by an arborist.
- Plant new trees wisely. Do your research when planting new trees. Avoid trees with fast-growing soft wood. Leyland cypress, Lombardy poplars, weeping willows - all of these trees have soft wood that's easily stressed by wind. Avoid trees with shallow root systems that give way easily, as well. Never plant trees close to your home.
Address tree maintenance on an annual basis, as growing trees can become a threat, even if they weren't a threat in the past.
Waterproof Your Basement
A wet basement can be a big problem when the soil around your house becomes saturated. Basement flooding can be stressful in the midst of a big storm. Waterproof your walls, seal cracks, install a sump pump and take other steps to protect your basement from rising water. Work with an experienced contractor to get this work done, as basement waterproofing is often a multi-step process.
Know the Building Requirements In Your Area
If you have an older home, the building requirements may have changed since your home's construction. There may be new, better ways to protect your home from high wind and rain. If you're planning a home renovation, be prepared to update your home to meet building codes and ensure storm readiness - especially if you live along the coast.
Direct waterfront properties have a separate set of rules for building and storm protection. For example, if you're replacing your home's windows, you may be required to get impact windows. If you're installing a new roof, you may need to install roof straps as a part of the process. Your Connecticut contractor can tell you what needs to be done to stay in compliance.
Have A Way to Secure Personal Items
Do you have a shed or garage where you can put away your lawn furniture and lawn toys before a storm? If you don't, this is the time of year to install one.
Have a way to secure personal items that are usually kept on the lawn. Wind is the biggest threat to homeowners during most storms. Wind can throw furniture around, cause branches to break and trees to topple. Having a way to secure personal items can help keep your home and personal belongings safe.
Install a Gas Powered Generator
Gas-powered generators can keep your home comfortable even when the power goes out. If your community experiences power outages regularly due to storm damage, a gas powered generator can save you hundreds of dollars on lost food in the fridge. These generators can also help run your HVAC system in case you need heat or air conditioning.
Keep Your Insurance Up to Date
Review your insurance document regularly to ensure that you have appropriate coverage, just in case the worst does happen. Keep an inventory of your items at home. If you need to replace anything, your home inventory can simplify that process.
Download Our Free Guide
Get storm ready. Download the Litchfield Builders guide for hurricane readiness in Connecticut, or contact us if you need to make home improvements like window replacements, basement waterproofing and finishing, roof replacement, and more. Call today.
