(Newswire.net — February 25, 2021) — From hail to hurricanes, Mother Nature can wreak havoc on your home. In the absence of necessary repairs and upgrades, storm damage can lead to costly emergency repairs and structural damage, and it can even force you to leave your home altogether. With that, here are five home upgrades to protect your home from extreme weather.
Replace any damaged windows
Before extreme weather hits, be sure to check the condition of your home’s windows, along with the weatherstripping around them. If needed, re-caulk windows where weatherstripping is worn away, and replace any windows that are damaged. If you live in an area prone to high winds and storms, consider investing in plywood or storm shutters to protect windows against wind damage.
For homeowners looking to replace damaged windows, low-maintenance, energy-efficient All Weather Seal windows are a great option to improve the function, comfort, and look of your home. Of course, new windows are only as good as their installation, and doing your homework can help you find a reputable technician with decades of experience. To protect your home and family, be sure to choose professionals that offer a lifetime warranty, so you can trust your new windows will maintain their function and appearance for years to come.
Strengthen your home’s exteriors
If you live in an area prone to high winds, hail damage, or heavy snowfall, it’s essential to schedule regular roof inspections with an experienced roofing company to ensure that your roof is sturdy enough to withstand the elements. Storm damage doesn’t always happen when you expect it, and taking the time to schedule an inspection can help you avoid wasting time filing a claim with your insurance company when your roof is damaged.
If you need a roof replacement or roof repairs, your roofing contractor can help you choose the best option for your new roof. The experienced Denver roofers at Metro City Roofing specialize in a variety of roofing systems and material types, including asphalt shingles, concrete tile, slate tile, and metal roofing, to protect customers in Fort Collins, Lakewood, Littleton, Loveland, Englewood, Colorado Springs, and the surrounding area.
Replace worn-out gutters
Clogged and damaged gutters can cause major flooding in the basement and leaks in the ceilings during heavy rain, hailstorms, and snowstorms. To protect against flooding, it’s essential to check your gutters regularly and clear them of debris.
If you notice any damage, be sure to schedule a free inspection and repair your gutters as soon as possible. Gutters are a key component in protecting your home against storm damage, so if your gutters are worn out, it may be worthwhile to replace them altogether.
Install a standby generator
If a storm hits, you risk losing electricity to run essential appliances. Investing in a standby generator can give you peace of mind during the storm season and can help reduce your chances of flood damage by keeping your sump pump running.
Standby generators are permanently installed outside your home, and most generators are fueled by natural gas or liquid propane. The price of a standby generator depends on the size of your home and the amount of wattage, with most generators ranging between $3,000 and $16,000.
Retrofit your home
If your house is vulnerable to flood damage, the best way to protect your home is with a flooding retrofit. The National Flood Insurance Program recommends elevating your home, so the lowest floor is above flood level and dry flood-proofing your home to withstand floods for at least 72 hours.
Although home improvement projects and remodels can be a significant investment, flood-proofing your home can help protect against flood damage and minimize structural damage, which can help you save money in the long run.
Regardless of where you live, it pays to prepare your home to defend against extreme weather damage. Above all else, taking the time to schedule necessary home maintenance and upgrades can help you protect your home against storm damage.