The worst feeling as a homeowner is being unprepared for when extreme weather hits. Be it tornados, tropical storms, hurricanes, or snow, it is hard to ensure your house will be protected against all conditions. Especially if you just bought a new home, it can be an exhausting process to fix the damage to your property no matter how big or small. If you’re trying to figure out how to spend less energy on having a new home that’s up to snuff, here are some tips for making those repairs a little more manageable.
Assess the damage.
The first step to repairing your home after extreme weather hits is to take stock of all your belongings. In order to make room for repairs and organize all your possessions, it’s a good idea to rent a self-storage unit . There are many reasons to have a self storage unit, as it makes the clutter clean up easier and gives you extra space to organize everything. If the damage is substantial and prevents you from being able to sleep in your own home while repairs are made then a storage unit will give you some peace of mind knowing everything you own is locked in a secure location.
Focus on the big projects first.
Also, the more quickly you assess what has been damaged or lost, the better chance you have of getting assistance after you file a claim with your insurance. Most often, when extreme weather hits, the roof of your house is the most vulnerable to falling trees and power lines. By keeping your additional storage in a unit outside the house as opposed to an attic, it is the best way to make sure your valuables won’t be damaged year-round. Don’t try to take care of roof repair or old gutters on your own. Once you have assessed the damage you can determine whether you need service from a professional contractor.
Quality rain gutters will save your home from major damage and flooding when extreme weather hits. If not repaired, old gutters can leak and get clogged with debris, having a significant effect on the foundation of your home. Prepare your home for the worst weather by getting a rain gutter installation by professionals. Browse a range of gutter systems and find the right type of gutter that will give you the most peace of mind. While seamless rain gutters may cost on average more than your typical aluminum gutters, they don’t have any joints and thus won’t be vulnerable to cracks or leaks over time. Once you pick out the right gutter system for your home, a team of professionals will handle all the assembly and installation. Substantial storm rainfall can dump gallons of water on your property, which is why it is vital to invest in the maintenance of a downspout that will protect your home.
Examine your utilities.
After extreme weather hits, your electricity is most often the first to go, so it is important to always have an alternative power source like a portable generator handy. After a storm, make sure to inspect your home for any gas leaks, strange noises, or odors coming from your utilities. Start with large appliances, like your refrigerator and freezer, since you will have to remove all food items that may go bad and place them into a cooler in addition to monitoring for leaks. If you have a gas stove it is also important to check to see if it is emitting any flammable toxins that could be harmful to you and your family’s health.
If you really want to be prepared, invest in solar energy installation in order to use energy more efficiently in your kitchen and be prepared for when extreme weather hits. By powering your home with solar energy, you won’t have to worry about losing power and will save costs in the long run.
