High winds, blowing rain, and driving snow can find those places on your home’s exterior that are vulnerable to storm and wind damage. Homeowners sometimes underestimate the power of the wind. While we don’t experience tornadoes or hurricanes in the lower mainland, we do need to be prepared for some wild seasonal weather. What do you need to do to protect your home from winter storms?
Inspect the roof and gutter system.
When inspecting the roof and the gutters, pick a dry day that isn’t too windy. Debris left on the roof or in the gutters or parts of the roofing system that need repairs can spell disaster for a home’s exterior in a wind storm.
Check the roof for areas where debris can snag or collect on places like skylights, flashings, and valleys. Clear away the debris. Find out why – it could be that the flashings around roof protrusions are loose and need resealing or are damaged and need replacing.
Check for missing or damaged shingles. Repair as soon as possible to prevent moisture from getting in where leaks can form and mold can grow.
Check the soffit and fascia for stains (possible leaks), wood rot (sign of moisture build-up), peeling paint (sign of excess moisture), blockages (soffit), and bowing (fascia).
Check the gutter system. Look for sagging sections (loose hardware), damp places beneath the eaves that never seem to dry up (leaking seams), and standing water (improper pitch if there are no clogs). Ensure that downspouts are properly attached and where they connect to the gutters is sealed; ensure that the gutter outlet is debris-free.
Prepare your windows for winter storms.
Wind and driving rain rattle windows. When there are loose glass panes, a windy day can crack or break them. Caulk loose panes, replace missing or broken glass, and repair/replace warped window frames or trim.
If you live in an area where the winds are particularly strong throughout the fall and winter, consider installing high impact windows when it comes time to replace them. Other window storm-proofing options include applying impact-resistant film and adding storm shutters (home exterior).
Repair the siding.
Inspect the siding. Look for any loose panels or unattached edges that might catch a strong wind. Not only can flying boards break glass and dent the garage door, missing panels allow moisture and air to enter. Fix the siding before a storm hits.
Trim branches and tie down trees.
Having a tree crash through the roof is a common homeowner’s nightmare. On a windy day, when trees grow close to the house, they can be a danger to your roofing system, siding, and windows. Even small limbs, broken branches, and sharp twigs skittering across the roof or being slammed into the siding in a storm can do damage to your home’s exterior.
Gutter professionals suggest that there should be a minimum of eight feet (2.4 meters) between the tree limb and the gutters. Trim branches back. Saplings, shrubs, and small trees should be tied down and secured to prevent breaking limbs, dangerous swaying, and being uprooted.
Remove and store outdoor items.
Since we have more temperate weather in the lower mainland, it might be tempting to leave the patio furniture where it is. But outdoor items such as seasonal furniture, toys, bikes, and recycling bins can become treacherous projectiles in a major storm. Store garbage and recycling bins in a shed or protected area; put away sports equipment; and secure the barbecue somewhere safe until it’s needed next spring.
