- Strong winds can cause significant damage to roofs, windows/doors, siding, and trees.
- Thunderstorms with straight-line winds are common in flat areas of the U.S.
- Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent wind damage.
- Reinforcing windows/doors and securing outdoor items can protect your home.
- Investing in a backup power source can ensure essential appliances keep running during power outages.
Your home is your sanctuary, where you should feel safe and secure. However, when strong winds hit your house, it can be difficult to feel protected. As the seasons change, it’s essential to understand how strong winds can affect your home, so you can take the necessary precautions and prevent damage. Here’s what you need to know about strong winds can affect your home and what steps you can take to prepare for them.
Strong Winds in the U.S.
Strong winds are relatively common, especially in flat areas in the U.S. Without mountains or hills to contain them, winds can travel hundreds of miles and cause severe damage. The most common type of solid wind is a thunderstorm with straight-line winds. These are caused by intense thunderstorms with lightning, heavy rain, and powerful gusts that can reach speeds up to 58 mph. This can devastate your home, as it can rip off shingles, tear down siding, and even blow debris into your windows.
Damaged Roof
One of the most common ways strong winds can affect your home is through roof damage. High winds can lift shingles or tiles from the roof, exposing your home to leaks and water damage. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you may want to consider investing in a hurricane-resistant roof or reinforcing your existing one.
Regardless, it’s crucial to inspect your roof for damage regularly. Contact local roofing services to check your roof before a reported storm. They can fix any loose shingles, replace damaged tiles, and suggest other preventive measures to help protect your roof from high winds.
Broken Windows and Doors
When winds are high, they can put pressure on your windows and doors, leading to cracks, breaks, or even detachment. Not only can these create a potential security risk, but it can also be dangerous if someone is standing nearby. Immediately fix any damages or replace broken windows and doors to avoid further damage in future windstorms.
Damage to Siding and Exterior Walls
Exterior walls and siding protect your home from harsh weather conditions but are also susceptible to wind damage. High winds can lift or tear off siding, exposing your home’s insulation and other structural elements to water damage, pests, and other environmental issues. Inspecting your siding and exterior walls for damage after any significant wind event is essential.
Falling Trees
Strong winds can also uproot trees or break off branches, damaging your property. Falling trees can demolish your roof, windows, and vehicles with heavy and potentially deadly blows. Consider pruning trees near your home and removing weakened or dying trees to avoid such accidents.
Power Outages
Winds can also disrupt power lines and cause power outages, resulting in a loss of heating, refrigeration, and other utilities. To prepare for potential power outages, you can invest in a backup power source or generator, store enough non-perishable goods and drinking water for at least a week and keep in stock any prescriptions and essential medications for all members of your household.
Making Your Home Resistant to Strong Winds
There are also ways you can make your home resistant to strong winds. Here are some of them:
Reinforce Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are some of the most vulnerable spots during strong winds. Ensure that they are reinforced with shutters, impact-resistant glass, or plywood. Install sturdy locks and bolts that can hold the shutters in place. Also, install a reinforcement kit to ensure that your garage door can withstand high winds.
Secure Outdoor Items
Outdoor items such as patio furniture, outdoor grills, and lawn decorations can become projectiles during strong winds and cause damage to your home. Secure or move them inside whenever there is a forecast of high winds.
Backup Power
During strong winds, power outages are expected due to downed trees and power lines. A backup power generator is a good investment to keep your home powered up during an outage to run essential appliances such as your fridge, AC, and lighting.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspections can help you identify areas of your home that require maintenance or repairs. For example, replacing old or damaged shingles, sealing gaps in windows, and weak spots in your garage door can prevent wind damage.
Strong winds are a force to be reckoned with. Taking the necessary steps to prepare your home and make it wind-resistant can ensure its safety during high winds and help prevent costly damage. Following these tips, you can protect your home from strong winds and ensure it remains safe and secure. Knowing how to prepare for strong winds is essential if you live in an area prone to them. With the right preparation, you can protect your home and keep it safe from wind damage.
