Keep Your Home Safe from Windstorms

Storms that produce high velocity winds can rip through your property, leaving destruction in their wake. Because you can’t truly predict the strength of a storm, it’s a good idea to ensure that your home is protected from the possibility of windstorm damage. We’ve gathered a few tips to share with you that can help you prepare your home for Mother Nature’s worst and reduce your risk of costly property damages.

Roof: Have your roof inspected to ensure that it’s in good condition. Though roofing materials last for years, they do need to be replaced every so often. It’s best to protect your home with shingles that are rated well for wind and impact resistance. Singles should be nailed down securely and fitted tightly together, though this is a job best done by a professional. Additionally, ensure that skylights, satellite dishes and other fixtures are tightly attached to the roof to prevent them from being blown off.

Exterior structure: For the best protection against wind damages, check weaker entry points like doors and windows. All external doors should be triple-hinged and secured with a deadlock for added protection. Windows should be tightly attached and sealed properly to prevent wind from entering cracks and causing interior damages.

Backyard: If you have a storage shed on your property, ensure that it’s securely anchored down. For added protection, you can also anchor down the shed’s contents. If a severe storm is predicted, store patio furniture and other outdoor items in the shed or your garage. Inspect your fence to ensure it’s secure as well.

Vehicles: If possible, park your car(s) in the garage before a storm approaches. If not, be aware of your surroundings and refrain from parking under trees, lampposts, power lines or anything else that can fall on top of your car during a storm.
 
Another way to protect your property from wind damage is to purchase windstorm insurance. This is especially important for homeowners who live in areas that are prone to high winds. Want more details? Your independent insurance agent can answer your questions and help you find the right coverage for your needs.

Protect your home against storm damage. Call Reliable Insurance Managers at (713) 227-7283 for more information on Houston windstorm insurance.

How To Prepare Your House for a Windstorm

You never know when a disaster will strike, and having the right insurance will protect your investment and your resources. Windstorm insurance covers damages caused by high winds. Windstorm insurance covers roof damage, window damage and damage to personal property if the wind enters the house and causes damage. Windstorm insurance can also cover detached structures such as garages and sheds.

So, having windstorm insurance is just smart. But smarter than having the windstorm insurance is also taking preventive measures to protect against the damage of a windstorm. How? We are glad you asked!

Annually, have your roof inspected by a professional. Monthly, walk around your house and inspect the roof. Look for loose shingles, downspouts or gutters that seem loose or are bending. If you see any of these, get them fixed right away. If a windstorm hits, it could take off the shingles and cause water damage. The windstorm can also rip away damaged downspouts or gutters and cause not only water damage, but roof damage as well.

Each spring and fall, have dead tree limbs removed. Little limbs can seem insignificant, but they can get blown into your gutters and cause damage. So, twice a year have someone remove the dead tree limbs. If the tree is on public property, contact your city and let them know the problem. Keep track of notifying the city if there is damage before they take care of the problem.

Each year, check shutters and outside decorations. Make sure they are securely fastened. If you have decorations that are not fixed in place, make sure they are in an area where a windstorm won't carry them into a window. For patio/deck furniture, this is easily solved by using zip ties to loosely anchor the furniture.

If you have sheds or other types of buildings, take the time to anchor those into the ground. Most home improvement stores sell anchors and will tell you how to use them. It won't take more than 30 minutes to safely anchor those buildings.

So, be smart and have windstorm insurance, but be smarter and prepare your house for high winds.

Start protecting your home today. Call Reliable Insurance Managers at (713) 227-7283 for more information on Katy windstorm insurance.