Unexpected Ways to Protect Alexandria Homes From Storms

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

A tree fallen on a home during a storm

4 Unexpected Ways to Protect Alexandria Homes From Storms

As a homeowner in Alexandria your house is more than just a home and place to raise your family, it's an investment, and as such it is your responsibility to protect it from weather related damage.

Even though Alexandria isn't known for their terrible storm climate, storm conditions are often unpredictable and can vary wildly in intensity and destructive ability, so its your job to be prepared for any potential hazards.

1. Cutting down surrounding foliage and trees.

Many homeowners like the idea of having a nice big tree in the front or backyard for shade on a hot summers day but strong storm winds can blow limbs off tree trunks or even topple over the entire tree!

While landscaping, look at the distance between the trees on your property and your house, and consider either trimming or even cutting down some weak rooted trees to prevent damage in the event of strong storm winds.

2. Replacing gravel with mulch

Once again, strong winds pose a potential threat of picking up small rocks and whirling them into your home. Since Alexandria rarely has to deal with any tornadoes or catastrophic winds (knock on wood) this probably isn't a very high priority, but may still be worth considering.

Consider replacing any gravel with mulch to reduce the potential damage should there be intense wind conditions.

3. Roof maintenance

Poorly secured shillings can easily blow off in a storm, making your home susceptible to leaking from wet conditions. 

Remember, roof shillings are layered down, meaning if one shilling blows off, many others are sure to blow off as well!

Before a big storm, do a quick roof inspection to make sure your roofing is secure, your gutters are unclogged and they are securely attached to your home.

4. Secure your Garage Door

In the event of strong winds, your garage is the largest opening into the structure of your home. If winds are strong enough to blow through into your garage, the wind will have no where to go but up, blowing off part, if not all of your roof!

In the event of a large storm or high winds, make sure garage door is shut and securely closed.

Many of the preventative measures we be shared in this article don't seem incredibly obvious or imminently dangerous. It's only after working in the restoration industry for years (as we have here at SERVPRO of Alexandria) do you learn to appreciate just how dangerous some common points of neglection are to the safety and integrity of your home.

If, after following these steps your home unfortunately does sustain some storm damage, give us a call at (703) 739-2800.

SERVPRO of Alexandria is one of the leading storm damage restoration businesses in Alexandria, Virginia; we respond quickly, professionally and offer the highest level of customer service!

We are here to help, whether it be a simple consultation, to help clean, or if there's more serious structural damage, give us a call. Once again our number is (703) 739-2800.