We know that Hurricane Season runs from June 1st through November 30th each year, but bad weather can happen anytime, anywhere. Bad weather is even worse when it causes problems for your home. Figuring out what kind of damage bad weather can cause will help you to prepare in advance so you can protect your home from the storms it will inevitably weather. When you are adequately prepared, it is far easier to make sure that your home is ready no matter what bad weather may come your way throughout the year.
Water Leaks
The first problem that bad weather can bring is leaks into your home. While a small leak may start out as a small problem, it can grow very easily and start creating bigger issues for your home. Having a leak in your roof is one of the most common leaks that can be started by poor weather. If you notice a leak in your home, it is important to take care of it as quickly as possible. If you let the leak sit, it can grow and become a much bigger problem. It can also cause major water damage throughout your home which is difficult and very expensive to fix.
Electrical Problems
A storm can also lead to electrical problems and even cause you to use electricity all together. If that happens it can have big consequences for your home and make it difficult to function inside. It is a good idea to make sure that your tree branches are always trimmed and pruned appropriately. This is especially true before a storm. This is because tree branches can break if they are too long and if they hit a power line, it can cause electrical problems and make it difficult for you to get the electricity you need. You should always call in a professional to fix electrical problems since they can be very dangerous, and an electrician will have the training and tools to make sure the problem is fixed safely and correctly.
Falling Tree Branches
Falling branches can actually lead to many different problems for your home. If they hit your roof, they can damage it and lead to water and other things getting inside your home. A tree branch could also fall into a window and break it. Your car can also be in danger if it is hit by a falling tree branch. It is better to simply make sure that your trees are well taken care of at all times.
Temperature Changes
As temperatures change during a storm it can cause issues for many different materials around your home. Most materials can’t handle dealing with a quick change of temperature, so it can lead to serious damage. One place you need to be especially careful of is your driveway. If your asphalt or concrete is cracked, it can be difficult and expensive to fix or replace. Asphalt paving must be sealcoated or else it will sustain damage during temperature changes. Taking steps to prepare in advance can help you to prevent the damage from ever taking place.
Your Foundation Can Be Damaged
One of the worst things that can happen in a storm is that it can hurt the foundation of your home. A serious crack in your foundation can decrease the structural soundness of your whole home and decrease your safety. Your foundation relies on the earth around it to keep it safe and supported but a storm can cause those conditions to change. This can lead to your foundation lacking the support it needs and cracking under the pressure. It is far better for you to inspect the foundation early after a storm so you can make sure to catch any issues as early as possible.
Windows Getting Cracked
Sometimes the changes in weather during a storm can cause your windows to crack. Sometimes it is from extreme changes in temperature. Since glass is extremely sensitive to temperature changes, it is pretty common to see windows cracking when a storm leads to major changes from hot to cold or vice versa. Sometimes your windows can also simply experience a lot of condensation which is far less dangerous but can still be annoying for homeowners. Controlling the temperature in your home and the humidity can help you to avoid both of these problems, which is a major win for your home in a storm.
Your Crawl Spaces Can Be Damaged
Of all the spaces in your home, the crawl spaces are some of the least likely to have adequate protection from the dangers a storm brings. They are often poorly insulated if they are insulated at all. Crawl spaces also tend to be left somewhat open to the elements. This makes them extremely vulnerable if a storm does occur. It’s important to inspect your crawl space after a storm to make sure that it is still in good condition and that you are able to fix any damage that may have occurred because of the storm.
Yard Damage
Not only can your home itself be damaged by a storm, but your yard can also suffer damage in severe weather. It is important to make sure that you prepare the outside of your home and your yard for a storm just as much as the interior. If you know there will be heavy rain it can help to cover certain plants with tarps to keep them safe from damage. You may also want to create protections that you can build into your landscaping. Taking action early can help you to make sure your home is safe when a storm comes.
Your home deserves to be protected, especially when there is a storm. This can take some preparation and some work after the fact, but in the end, it is very important for the upkeep of your home. Take steps now to make sure your home is ready to deal with any storm that may come your way.
Read this next: What You Need to Know About Fire Hazards as a Homeowner
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.
