Extreme weather conditions make it hard for people to live safely and peacefully in their homes. From the windows to the floors, to the roof and walls, plenty of things go into making your home safe. Whether you live in an area with dry, scorching heat or monsoon rainy seasons, protecting your home from the elements is important.
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, and you’re looking to protect yourself and your home, you’ve come to the right place! From tips on how to check for weak spots, to how to plan your yard, this list has got you covered! Here’s everything you need to know about safeguarding your home from floor to ceiling!
Check for weaknesses
The best way to keep your home safe and fortified against the elements is to take necessary preventative measures. To know what to fortify, you need to know what's lacking first. A great place to start is to make checking your homes for weaknesses a habit. Strong winds and storms can cause weak spots in your home to fail, endangering those inside it.
To make sure your house is strong enough to take on the elements, make sure to check the roof, windows, doors, and garage doors. Finding weak spots ahead of time leaves you enough time to act so that you can be better prepared for the next storm. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared with storms, so make sure to be thorough!
Fortify your roof
Your roof plays an important role in keeping you safe inside your home. Your roof not only protects your home from above, but also keeps the walls together and upright. Extreme weather conditions like hail and heavy rainfall can damage your roof, leaving the inside of your home exposed to the elements.
Repairing and fortifying your roof with stronger support and metal can help keep you protected. Good seamless metal roofing systems are also less likely to buckle under the weight of a fallen tree or lamppost, in extreme weather. Having a strong and sturdy waterproof roof makes the world of a difference in protecting your home, making it a good investment for your safety.
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Invest in storm shutters
The windows are often the most delicate part of the home, so they need the most attention and preparation. Strong winds and heavy rain can damage or break your windows, which can lead to disaster. Broken windows allow the inside of your home to be wrecked by the elements and can weaken the hold of your roof, and lead your house to collapse
Storm shutters are a simple, yet effective way to add an extra layer of security to your windows. Impact-resistant shutters or glass is a great way to fortify your windows and stop them from shattering. Anything that keeps the glass from shattering in extreme weather conditions is a good investment.
Make flood-proofing a priority
Aside from the wind, water can be very dangerous for any home if it comes to flooding. If you live in an area prone to floods, your first move should be to make your home as flood-proof as possible. A good place to start is with your home’s foundation and making sure that it’s watertight with concrete. Make sure your doors and windows are watertight, too, to get the full effect.
Aside from waterproofing your house, to avoid flood damage, you can install proper drainage systems in and around your home. Use well-placed channels, trenches, and drains to redirect the floodwater and keep your home safe. Modify your crawl spaces, basements, and yard to allow water to pass through and around.
Keep your yard clear
Last but not least, when safeguarding your home from things like storms, you cannot forget your yard! The items you keep in your yard can bring more trouble than they're worth, especially in extreme weather conditions.
Dry and dead plants and vegetation can be both a fire and safety hazard. Heavy items of furniture and objects can get launched into your home and damage it, so if you can't secure it, bring it indoors. Aside from the yard, make sure to keep as much of the area surrounding your home, free from any dangers or threats. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to sudden storms, strong winds, or tornados.
So there you have it! Safeguarding your home from the elements is no easy task, but anything is possible with the right tips! Start protecting your home from the elements by checking for weak spots and assessing the damage. Fortify your roof and windows with window shutters to protect against strong winds and rain. Flood-proof your home to keep it safe from water damage, and make sure to keep your yard free from clutter to avoid any safety hazards. Keep these points in mind and start protecting your home today!
