With the Atlantic hurricane season forecasted to be highly active, it’s crucial to prepare your home to withstand potential storms. NOAA predicts up to 13 hurricanes this season, with several expected to be quite severe. This high activity poses a risk of significant damage, even for properties situated inland. Here are some home maintenance tips so you can prepare well in advance of any storms.
Home Maintenance For Early Preparation
Waiting until the last minute to prepare for a hurricane can lead to oversights and increased risk. Proper preparation involves a series of thoughtful steps taken well before a storm approaches. According to your expert handyman in Conway SC, the process of getting ready for hurricane season is comprehensive and requires attention to detail. Therefore, it is essential to start early.
1. Prune Trees and Shrubs Near Your Home
The first one in the list of home maintenance tips is to make sure to prune trees and shrubs around your property. Branches can easily become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Even the weakest hurricanes have enough power to break large branches and uproot trees, particularly in saturated soil. For example, look for signs of weak or dead branches, such as cracks in the trunk or hollow sounds when tapped. Consider hiring a professional arborist to handle larger or more dangerous tasks.
2. Reinforce or Replace Loose Fence Boards
Additionally, check your fences for any loose or damaged boards. Winds exceeding 39 mph can turn these into projectiles that can cause significant damage. By securing your fence, you help ensure it withstands high winds and protects your home from flying debris.
3. Examine Your Roof for Vulnerabilities
Another home maintenance tip is to inspect your roof for any vulnerabilities. Strong winds can easily dislodge shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials. Consequently, look for loose or missing shingles, bent flashing, and any signs of leaks or water damage in your attic. Addressing these issues before a storm can prevent more extensive damage.
4. Clean and Repair Gutters
Next, make sure your gutters are clean and in good repair. Heavy rainfall from hurricanes can overwhelm your drainage system if it’s clogged with debris. Therefore, clean gutters ensure that rainwater can flow freely off your roof and away from your home’s foundation, reducing the risk of water damage.
5. Check Windows and Doors for Sealing Issues
Furthermore, inspect windows and doors to ensure they are properly sealed. These are among the most important home maintenance in Conway SC that you must not ignore. Strong winds can drive rain into your home through even the smallest gaps. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal any leaks, and pay extra attention to doors that open inward, which are more susceptible to being blown open by strong winds.
6. Secure Outdoor Items
Also, create a designated storage space for outdoor items like patio furniture, garden decorations, and toys. These items can become dangerous projectiles during a storm. Having a plan in place to quickly store them in your garage or shed will help protect your property and prevent loss.
7. Review Your Insurance Policy
Finally, review your insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for hurricane-related damage. Standard homeowners insurance may not cover flood damage, so you might need additional policies for comprehensive protection. Moreover, make sure to secure these policies well before a storm is forecasted, as insurers often stop issuing new policies once a storm is imminent.
Thorough preparation is key to protecting your home during hurricane season. By pruning trees, securing fences, inspecting your roof, cleaning gutters, sealing windows and doors, storing outdoor items, and reviewing your insurance, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage. Taking these proactive steps and hiring experts like Handyman Conway will help ensure your home is ready to weather any storm.
Stay prepared and safe this hurricane season. Contact Handyman Conway today for more home maintenance tips and professional assistance!
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Handyman Conway
Conway, SC 29526
843-353-6154
info@handymanconway.com
http://handymanconway.com/
Areas Served: Conway, Aynor, Carolina Forest, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach
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