Storm season continues to pound North Texas neighborhoods and businesses near and far.
That means an increased threat for tornadoes, damaging winds, flooding, and yes – hail.
While it may seem like your home or commercial business is a sitting duck for issues like roof leaks, busted gutters, damaged siding, and downed fences, there are some preventative measures you can take to not only assess the health of your roof but possibly avoid more costly repairs down the line.
Here are 5 storm prep tips to implement right now. And when in doubt, call an ANNSTAR Roofing professional.
Lock and secure all doors and windows
Where possible, cover your windows and make sure every single one of them – including your front and back doors – is locked and secured when a significant storm is on its way. Not doing so will allow water to get into your home and cause more damage. Don’t forget to check window screens to ensure they are firmly in place and not previously damaged.
Secure loose items outside
Lawn chairs, garden hoses, and even children’s toys can turn into projectiles that be picked up by a severe thunderstorm and tossed through a nearby window or on top of your roof. Before the next storm rears its ugly head, do a clean sweep of the property to either tie down loose items or move them into the garage until the storm passes.
Clean out your gutters
Properly working and maintained gutters and downspouts direct water away from your roof and property to prevent leaks in unexpected areas and other damage like decay, mold, and foundation issues. Homeowners should be cleaning out debris from their gutters or calling in a professional twice a year to ensure they are in working order.
Cut your trees and bushes back
Healthy trees and lush landscapes add to the curb appeal of any home or business, but branches that have grown to the point where they are either touching the roof, gutters, windows, and fence line or can be pushed into them with a strong gust of wind can quickly become a safety hazard and are common examples of avoidable damage. Branches leaning on a roof can scratch or puncture shingles easier than you think, and fallen leaves can clog gutters. A good rule of thumb is to keep tree limbs within 10 feet of your home and remove any noticeable dead limbs or weakened trees.
Put your cars in the garage
You may not be able to completely storm-proof your home, but you sure can protect your vehicles. If you know a storm is on its way and there is even the smallest chance of hail, move your cars to the garage instead of leaving them in the driveway. This will keep you from having to call both your car insurance carrier and your home insurance company.
When in doubt, call ANNSTAR Roofing!
Your home is your most valuable asset, so it is wise to stay on top of any repairs that need to be made to avoid bigger issues down the road. While there are some potential issues that home and business owners can address on their own, many times it takes a roofing professional to get your roof and home back to pre-storm condition.
If you want to make sure your home or business is ready for the next storm, call ANNSTAR Roofing & Construction for a free inspection. We will look at your roof and anything else that could have been damaged. Only one roofer in North Texas offers a one-stop shop for all your residential and commercial roofing and construction needs. Local offices in Boyd and Frisco, Texas.