Even if you don’t live in the Denver metro, March through May can stir up quite a few gnarly storms. We’ve already seen dramatic video of storm damage from around the country and we need to realize we could be victims ourselves. However, thunderstorms and high winds don’t have to be something to fear. You could curl up with a good book and a cup of warm tea if you take some steps before hand to get your home ready.
Raising the Roof
Even contractors look at the home top down. If a home is to sustain damage, 90% of the time the roof is involved. So, how do you prepare? Take a look at your trusses. Do they have roof sheathing attached? And, like many construction items, installation is key. This sheathing has to be done with ring-shank nails, which can double the holding power. If you are uncertain about the sheathing or the installation, it is better to seek professional help, as storms are nothing to play around with.
Just Outside Your Windows
Denver has some of the most amazing views in the world. Of course, we want our homes to have plenty of windows. But, no one wants those windows to be damaged in a storm. Storm shutters and storm windows are specifically made to withstand quite a strong storm. Plain glass windows can be damaged in storms, and become dangerous because they become sharp flying objects. Replacing them with double-paned storm windows could save your pocket book and prevent injuries.
In Colorado, we love our landscaping, that is for sure. However, be sure to cut back on tall bushes around your house to protect your windrows from broken, flying limbs. Take the same care to trim tree branches, so they don’t fall on your roof. Look at your trees. The ones that look like a “V” are more likely to break than the ones resembling a “U” at the branch joints. Are any trees dead? Cut them down, as they can uproot easily during rainfall and windy conditions.
Knock, Knock
Doors are another vulnerable area of most homes. Many doors don’t have pins strong enough to withstand really strong winds. The American Red Cross recommends adding more bolts to a “weak” door. This usually runs between $10 and $40. The large, flat horizontal slats on a garage door break relatively easy when battered by winds. If you install horizontal bracing to each panel, your garage doors have a better bet at making it through the storm in one piece. In fact, your garage door manufacturer may have a bracing kit for sale. Many do. For more information, click here.