Storm season is upon us, and as a southern California homeowner, it’s time to start preparing your home before it’s too late. Not being prepared can potentially mean that you may be spending several days cleaning up after a storm comes through. Although damage is still possible, you can still take precautionary measures to protect your home in order to minimize the amount of damage a storm can cause.
What to Expect
The main threat to Southern California is drenching rains. Not only should you expect an increase in rainfall, but brace yourself for heavy winds and large wave action. With so much rain, there is a high chance of flooding. This can also cause debris flows, landslides, coastal erosion, and coastal structure damage, particularly in canyons and burn areas. Being prepared can decrease the damaging effects caused by the storms. It’s a good idea to start collecting sandbags or similar alternatives to put around your house.
Common Storm Damage
In order to prepare your home for storm damage, start on the outside of your home by making sure that the roof is in great shape. A lot of times, shingles suffer the most from wind and rain. Be sure that the flashings are securely in place and that there are no places for water to get under roofing materials. Look above the roof to see if there are tree limbs or other items that can crash into your roof during a windstorm. Then, check the drainage around your home’s foundation. You want to make sure that water can escape quickly. You should also verify that your gutters and drainpipes are clean and firmly attached so that they can carry water away from your home’s foundation effectively.
Your Home’s Design
If you are thinking of remodeling your home to add to its square footage, then consider giving wind somewhere to escape. The more rounded your home is, the less likely you are to receive wind damage. Sometimes, adding a circular nook to the front of your home is enough to divert the wind away from it. Roofs that have a large overhang are more likely to get lifted off homes than those with smaller ones. Steeper valleys encourage the wind to go up and away from your home. Buildings with roofs that meet at a peak at the top are often the ones that have the least amount of damage.
While it may be impossible to stop all storm and water damage, taking necessary precautions and preparations can help minimize the damage. You’ll have less damage to contend with after the storm passes and you will also feel more confident about staying in your home during a storm.
