Protect Your Home from Wind Damage This Spring

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How to Prevent Wind & Storm Damage

To other Americans, Southern Idaho is well known for its ample outdoor recreation activities and our rapidly growing economy. To Idahoans, what we’re best known for though is our wind! In past years, severe wind storms have knocked over semi-trucks, toppled trees, and even left thousands without power.

The weather may not be something you can control, but there are ways you can keep your home or business safe from wind damage. Here are 3 simple steps you can take today to avoid costly storm damage.

 

1. Keep Your Trees and Shrubs Trimmed Back and Healthy.

Trees can cause a lot of damage to your home during a wind storm, even if they stay upright! Overgrown branches can knock into windows or slam onto rooftops, while overgrown shrubs can damage your siding. Of course, toppled trees are also a risk factor during wind storms. If you are concerned that a tree on your property might not make it through a heavy storm, don’t wait! Have it evaluated by an arborist to see if it should be removed.

 

2. Repair or Replace Damaged Siding and Shingles.

Cracked and peeling vinyl is more than an eyesore, it also leaves your home vulnerable to the elements. If your home’s exterior is already peeling or damaged, high winds can make the problem even worse. Loose shingles are often blown off, while pieces of siding may suffer damage or even snap off! Do an exterior inspection of your home and keep your eyes peeled for any peeling. You can secure most loose siding with nails or glue. If the peeling is extensive, it may be time to consider renewing your home’s siding altogether.

 

3. Secure Outdoor Structures and Keep Lawns Clear.

We’ve all seen photos or heard stories about trampolines blowing away with the wind… The reality is that any unsecured structure is in danger of being tossed around in a wind storm. Prebuilt sheds, patio umbrellas, pergolas, and other structures should be well secured at all times. If you know the weather forecast calls for wind storms, take time to secure your property. Take down umbrellas, clear away large debris from your yard, and make sure patio furniture such as chairs, tables, and grills are safely stowed away. Outdoor structures also include dog houses, chicken coops, greenhouses, sheds, and garbage cans. A few minutes of work can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs!

 

4. Be Informed About Upcoming Storms.

While we Idahoans love to joke about our unpredictable weather, the truth is that weather forecasts almost always tell us about major wind storms in advance. We live in an area where high winds are common, and one key way to stay safe in poor weather is to know it’s on the way. Stay up to date on the local weather forecast and you’ll be prepared for whatever Idaho throws (or blows) your way!

 

 

If your home or business has suffered wind or storm damage, don’t worry. Elite Restoration offers 24/7 emergency service to assist you! We do emergency board ups to prevent further damage, and then work to repair damage caused by storms. We even work directly with your home insurance to make sure that repairs are done as quickly and cost effectively as possible.

 

To learn more about our storm and wind damage restoration services, view our full storm damage page here.