How to Protect Your Home from Storm Damage in New Jersey

The Newark, NJ area has experienced its fair share of storms from thunderstorms to hurricanes that have caused significant property damage.  While the National Weather Service can accurately predict when a storm is headed to the area, it is impossible to tell just how damaging a storm might be to your property.  Thunderstorms bring heavy rain that could lead to flooding or water damage within homes or buildings, and all major storms involve high winds that can be extremely dangerous.  The best way to protect your property from the effects of a storm is to take preventative measures to help reduce damage from rain, wind, and hail.  The following are useful tips that will help you protect your property from the storms in New Jersey for the rest of the summer and fall.

Inspect Your Roof

Keeping your roof in good condition is very important because it protects your home from wind and rain.  Your roof is also one of the areas of your home most vulnerable to storm damage.  Any damage to the roof could allow leaks that will eventually develop into significant water damage and cause structural issues.  Make sure you check for possible leaks in the attic and on the roof, and look for missing or damaged shingles.  If you do not feel comfortable inspecting your roof, you can hire a professional to do the inspection.  Any damage to the shingles, sheathing, or other aspects of the roof must be repaired immediately.

Inspect Siding

Like the roof, the siding of your home must be in good condition to protect against strong wind and rain.  If there are broken or loose siding panels on your home, the wind can tear them off and turn them into dangerous projectiles.  You must thoroughly inspect the siding of your home for broken or loose panels and take care of any damage so that your home is protected when a storm hits.

Inspect and Clean Out Your Gutters

The gutters are crucial for properly draining rain water off the roof and diverting it away from the home.  If the gutters are clogged, the rain water may leak over the edge of the gutters and gather around the foundation which could cause water damage to the siding and in the basement.  You must regularly check your gutters to ensure that they are completely free of debris so the water can drain properly.  You should also make sure that the downspouts divert the water far enough away from your home so it does not lead to foundational damage.

Check the Grading Around the Home

Another way to protect your foundation from water damage is to make sure that the ground near your home slopes away from the foundation.  If the ground around the home is flat or slopes towards the building, water from the rain will gather in this area and seep through the foundation, causing basement flooding or water damage.  Make sure the ground slopes away to drain the water at a safe distance.

Maintain Your Sump Pump

The sump pump is the most important piece of equipment in your home when it comes to preventing water and flood damage.  If you do not have a sump pump in your home, it is a very good idea to install one.  You must inspect your sump pump regularly, especially when a storm is imminent, to ensure that it is running correctly and pumping the water away from your home.  If there is a problem with your sump pump, you must resolve the issue right away.

Seal Doors and Windows

The doors and windows of your home must be sealed properly to help keep out wind and rain.  Check the seals around your windows and doors and make sure to repair or replace broken seals.  You should also consider installing high impact windows that can withstand the strong winds of hurricanes and tornadoes.

Trim Trees and Bushes

Strong winds have the ability to break tree branches which can cause very serious damage to homes and vehicles.  If there is a heavy tree branch hanging over your home or car, there is a good chance that it could fall during a storm.  You can help prevent wind damage by trimming the trees and bushes around your home.  Look for branches that are directly over or touching your home and remove them if possible.  You can call a professional to remove tree branches if you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself.

Check Your Property for Loose Items

There are many loose objects that could become dangerous projectiles in a severe storm including lawn chairs, umbrellas, tools, toys, flower pots, decorative items, and others.  If there is a storm coming, check your yard for loose items and either bring them inside or store them in a garage or shed.

Consider a Backup Generator

Losing power during a storm is not only frustrating, but it can be dangerous as well, especially if you rely on your sump pump to protect your home from flooding.  A backup power generator will provide power to keep your sump pump running until the power is turned back on.  These generators can be expensive, but if your home regularly loses power during storms, the damage it saves makes it worth the cost.

Contact ServiceMaster Restoration by Complete for Storm Damage Restoration

The severity of New Jersey weather can be so unpredictable that your home could still sustain storm damage even after taking these preventative actions.  After a major storm passes through your area, inspect your property carefully for any storm damage including water damage and damage to the roof, siding, or windows.  It is very important to have this type of damage repaired immediately to prevent more serious issues like flooding, structural damage, or mold growth.

The residents of Newark, NJ are well aware of the type of severe weather that impacts the area in the summer and fall seasons.  By following these simple tips, you can prevent storm damage and save yourself the money and hassle of the restoration process.  If you still experience storm damage in the Newark, NJ area despite your best efforts to prevent it, ServiceMaster Restoration by Complete is prepared to provide complete storm damage restoration services.