Is your home ready for the hurricane season? If you’re not sure, then these 5 simple home upgrades are for you!
by Atomic Mommy Editors
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Are you prepared for the hurricane season? Even if you don’t live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, it’s still a good idea to be prepared. One way to do this is by making some simple home upgrades. The upgrades we are sharing below, will help keep your home water-free during a hurricane, and they are all relatively easy to do!
#1 Replace your windows
The first home upgrade you can make is to replace your windows by contacting an expert in window service. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, it’s important to have hurricane-resistant windows. These windows are made of impact-resistant glass and are designed to withstand the high winds and flying debris that comes with a hurricane.
Replacing your windows with impact windows is a relatively easy process, and it will make a big difference in the safety of your home during a hurricane. If you’re not sure whether or not your windows are hurricane-resistant, it’s a good idea to contact a professional. They will be able to help you choose the right windows for your home and install them properly. Making this upgrade will give you peace of mind knowing that your home is better protected from the elements.
#2 Clean the gutters and downspouts
The next upgrade you can make is to clean the gutters and downspouts on your home. This is an important task to do before the hurricane season, as it will help ensure that water can flow freely through them during a storm. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to back up and potentially enter your home, which can lead to serious damage.
Cleaning the gutters and downspouts is a relatively easy process, but it’s important to make sure that you do it properly. First, you’ll need to remove any debris from the gutters. Next, you’ll need to flush out the gutters with water. Finally, you’ll need to check the downspouts to make sure that they are clear. Doing this will help ensure that your gutters and downspouts are ready for the hurricane season.
#3 Prune overhanging trees and bushes
The third upgrade you can make is to prune overhanging trees and bushes. This is important because, during a hurricane, high winds can cause these branches to break off and fall onto your home. This can also lead to serious damage, so it’s essential to remove any potential hazards before the hurricane season starts.
First, yank out any dead branches that you see. These are the ones most likely to break off in high winds and can cause the most damage. If a tree is leaning too close to your house, you may need to call in a professional to help you trim it back. Once you’ve taken care of the obvious hazards, take a look at the rest of your trees and bushes. Trim back any branches that hang over your roof or windows. If there are any low-hanging branches, trim those as well. The goal is to remove anything that could potentially fall or crash into your home during a hurricane.
#4 Raise the ground around the perimeter of your home
If you live in area that is prone to hurricanes, and your home happens to sit in an area where water tends to pool, then raising the ground around the perimeter of your home can help with preventing any water from getting in. It’s pretty simple to do this.
The items you’ll need include bags of dirt and rolls of sod. If you have plants along the perimeter of your home, then you’ll use dirt and mulch, instead. The first step is to measure how many feet the perimeter around your home is. This will help you figure out how many cubic feet of dirt you will need. A good rule of thumb when planning to raise the ground is to have at least 4 inches of your home’s foundation visible. The next step is to purchase the materials–these can be found at your local Lowe’s or wholesale retailer. Once you’ve purchased the right amount of materials, you’ll want to begin building up your ground. When you do, it is important to properly grade your new ground away from your home as this will help the water roll away from your home. Don’t forget to tamp the dirt down in between adding each level of dirt. After the dirt is down and tamped, you’ll either add the sod or the mulch. Remember, the reason you are doing this is to keep water away from your house. This in turn, will help keep any water damage to a minimum.
#5 Seal your basement cellar doors
If you live in an area with basements, then you might have cellar doors. Depending on the age of your basement cellar doors, you may see water trails that leak into your basement from the meeting of the doors and the concrete it sits on. If this sounds familiar, then you already know that a hurricane can turn those little leaks into massive water flow into your basement.
To avoid this, you can do one of two things: (1) have your cellar doors or the concrete slab they sit on, redone, or (2) seal around the cellar doors, inside and out, with waterproof sealant. The latter is the inexpensive step to preventing water leaks. So on your next trip to the hardware store, grab a few cans of waterproof rubber sealant spray, and start spraying the inside and outside of your cellar doors, where the concrete and doors meet. This small step could be the difference between having a clean, water-free basement or waking up to a huge puddle.
The Takeaway
By taking these precautionary measures, you can help protect your home from potential damage during the hurricane season. In turn, you’ll also be saving money because you won’t need major repairs to be done in the future.
What are some small tips you have to prepare a home for the hurricane season?
