How to protect your property from the elements

11 May 2016
 Categories: , Blog

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Strong winds and heavy rain can take their toll on the condition of your property, leading to costly repairs and time-consuming insurance claims. Certain forms of damage can also present a risk to those living in your household. Here are some things you can do to lessen the impact that the elements have on your home.

Remove unstable trees

There are some advantages to having trees in your garden; they can provide shade during the hottest days of the year and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.  However, for those living in areas prone to high winds and severe storms, they can also threaten the condition of the property itself and the safety of those living inside it. Just one strong gust of wind or bolt of lightning could lead to a heavy branch falling onto the roof of the home or onto a member of your household. If your property is located in an area where hurricanes are a common occurrence and you are concerned about this issue, it may be a good idea to speak to your local arborist about their tree removal services.

Keep up with home maintenance

One of the most effective steps you can take to prevent weather damage to your property is to carry out basic maintenance work all year round. For instance, by cleaning out your gutters and drains once a month, you will reduce the chance of water backing up and overflowing into your house during periods of heavy rain.

Similarly, by checking for gaps and cracks in your garage door (this is usually a house's weakest structural spot) and repairing any that you find, you can lessen the likelihood of strong winds and rainwater causing internal damage to your home.

Invest in flood protection products

If you live in a flood zone or in a region where storms occur quite regularly, it may be worth investing in some products which will protect your property during bad weather. Sandbags are a popular choice with many homeowners, as they are inexpensive and can be quite good at preventing rainwater from entering a house.

However, they are only designed to be used for short periods of time, as they will eventually become saturated, at which point they will no longer be effective. Some more reliable alternatives include flood protection strips, which can be attached to the entryways of your home to keep water out, and flood-resistant doors, which are designed to be completely watertight.