How to Protect Your Assets From Spring Storms

‘Tis The Other Season

Spring is full of promise and potential – from torrential rains to hail and thunderstorms. Nearly every year, damage from thunderstorms and hail is in the millions of dollars nationwide, destroying cars, windows, landscaping and too often, homes. And while you can’t predict what Mother Nature will do 100% of the time, you can take steps to ensure she doesn’t do irreparable damage if she’s having a bad day.

Start by looking around at the trees near your home. If you park on the street or use a parking pad, be sure look up. Pruning back rotting or dead branches that could fall during a storm is a simple, but effective way to reduce damage before it happens.

Rooftops

Your rooftop will take the brunt of any wind damage brought about by a spring storm. Winters in Ontario can be harsh, damaging rooftops across the province. Be on the lookout for loose, curled, or missing shingles or tiles, on your roof; rooftop edges deserve extra attention. Be sure to space nails about four inches (or roughly 10 cm) from each other, along edges when making repairs.

If you have an accessible attic, check the roof from the inside. Keep any eye out for areas where light is coming through; those gaps will also let in wind and rain.

Flooding

Inspect gutters and downspouts, removing any debris that could prevent water being diverted away from your property.

If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s working properly. A malfunctioning sump pump can mean unpleasant flooding when you least expect it.

Found a crack in the wall? Caulk any cracks on interior walls to reduce the chance of pooling water seeping into your basement.

Windows

If you’re in a hotbed area that typically feels the effects of multiple storms each season, consider installing storm shutters on your windows.

Permanent, accordion or roll-up type storm shutters are quick to install and easy to deploy; just pull down the shutters before a storm hits. The shutters do come with a downside, however; they block natural light. Some find the lack of light oppressive. So if a family member is living with claustrophobia, this may not be the best choice. Instead, consider shutters made from translucent fiberglass – they prevent window damage while allowing natural light into the room.

Use Your Imagination

Perhaps the best thing you can do to protect your assets from spring storms is to imagine there’s one on the way. Rather than scrambling when you hear a severe thunderstorm warning from Environment Canada, plan ahead to protect your assets from pop-up summer storms.

A little forethought can give you peace of mind, regardless of what Mother Nature has planned.