Getting Ready for the Spring Storm Season

We’ve all heard the expression, “take care of your body and your body will take care of you.” Homeowners should apply this wisdom to their home and the premises around it. While it is easy to see physical damage that can be caused by large storms, Mother Nature also is slowly and consistently breaking down a home’s defenses against future weather conditions. The specific weather conditions a home is exposed to, coupled with a maintenance plan similar to that below, play a large part in the strength and longevity of a home and the homeowner’s resulting bottom line.

Roof & Its Drainage Systems
Keep all drains, scuppers, gutters and downspout inlets free of debris that may restrict proper flow. It is also important to keep the roof clear of debris, leaves and vegetation, all of which may retain water. Trim trees near the home and branches that hang over the roof.

Home Joints & Connections
Intersections of the roof to walls, rooftop air conditioner mounts and curbs, window and door frames, and pipes through walls all require some type of transition material that is typically more prone to wear out over time. Rubber gaskets, seals and caulks should be inspected for brittleness, cracks, chips and gaps, and replaced as needed.

Walls
Inspect for and seal all minor wall cracks. Inspect Exterior Insulating Finishing Systems (EIFS) for cracks, chips, holes and other problems, and repair them as needed.

Windows & Doors
Ensure that all doors and windows have proper seals. Water stains below a window sill on the inside of the home are a sign of leaks. Inspect the rubber gasket or glazing putty surrounding the windows for cracks and reseal when necessary, even if stains aren’t obvious. Examine magnetic contacts that may be part of the home’s security systems to monitor when the window is opened or closed, and make sure they are well sealed.

Inspect the wooden threshold, where the door meets the floor. If there are signs of decay, replace the threshold and place new seals around the door.

Home Penetrations
Check and seal all roof and wall penetrations, including all water lines and electrical conduit. A single tube of caulk can likely seal all gaps between utility service lines that enter the walls.

Surroundings
Check downspout outlets to ensure that they are not blocked by debris or by the ground itself. It is best to have the surrounding terrain slope away from your home to prevent storm water runoff from accumulating around perimeter walls. Keep all exterior storm water drains free of debris. Drainage canals and culverts that are designed to shed water from the property should be checked and maintained for proper water flow.

Information courtesy of our friends at Grange Insurance.