Prevent Summer Storm Damage

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Summer storm damage can be as bad as winter storm damage

Yes, summers are full of vacations, nice weather, and days off, but eastern Connecticut still gets bad weather in the summer months. Summer often brings heavy, humid conditions, followed by furious storms. Moisture and rapidly rising warm air are the key ingredients to the 16 million thunderstorms that occur in the U.S. each year. A summer storm can clear the air and cool things off (at least for a few days), but our storms also provide intense wind, rain, hail, thunder, lightning, and the potential to destroy. Protect your home against damage from summer storms with these suggestions.

Fallen Trees

A raging summer windstorm can bring down large branches or trees. That’s a threat to your roof, garage, vehicles, power lines, and your family members. Take a walk around your property to check for dead or dying trees and broken or weak branches. Look for loosely attached limbs, rot, disease, or insect infestation. Hire a professional to trim your trees or if necessary, remove one or more.

Power Surge

In Connecticut and elsewhere, lightning can occasionally cause a power surge. A power surge is an unusually high amount of electricity briefly surging through your home’s wiring. Power surges can ruin or damage your sensitive electronic devices and appliances like computers, digital washing machines, and televisions. To prevent damage, install surge protectors. Do remember that surge protectors are not foolproof. If the forecast for your area includes severe weather, unplug individual devices or power strips from their outlet (rather than just switching them off).

For Summer Storm Damage Cleanup Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

Power Outage

Prepare for the inevitable – in eastern Connecticut summer storms frequently cause regional power outages that may take hours or days for the utility company to fix. To prepare, stock up on emergency lights and non-perishable, ready-to-eat food. Never use fuel-burning devices designed for outdoor use only, such as gas or kerosene grills, inside your home because they produce carbon monoxide, a gas that’s odorless, invisible, and potentially deadly.

Roof Damage

In the middle of a roaring summer thunderstorm, you want a good solid roof over your head. Summer storms can knock trees, power lines, or utility poles onto your roof, puncturing the roof or possibly causing structural damage. High winds can make small defects in your roof (like blisters, a missing shingle, or worn flashing) tear away or fail. Inspect your roofing regularly. That means at least twice a year and after any severe weather. Look for buckled, cracked, or missing shingles and other signs of wear and tear. You can inspect the roof pretty well using binoculars and keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground. If you find any damage, prompt roof repair will help keep you and your belongings dry and will help avoid the need for a more serious fix further on down the line.

For Summer Storm Damage Cleanup Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

Water Leaks or Floods

When rain or floodwater get into your home you risk severe damage to furniture, appliances, and other belongings, not to mention damage to the structure of the house itself. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield suggests that good preventive measures include sealing any cracks in your home’s foundation and walls. Also seal cracks you find next to windows and doors, and around your chimney and vent pipes. Clear dead leaves or other debris out of your gutters and downspouts, so that even a ferocious downpour will be directed away from the foundation of your home. If you have a basement, guard against flooding by setting up a sump pump.

Here in Connecticut, cold snowy winters can wreak havoc on a roof. But please be aware that summer storms–which tend to be fast and fierce–can be as serious as the worst blizzards.

After a Storm

If you have a summer storm you should inspect your property afterward for any severe storm damage. In particular, SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield suggests examining your roof and exterior walls looking for things like:

• Debris and ponding water
• Cuts and punctures in the roof membrane
• Edge metal pulled up
• Damaged perimeter flashing
• Missing or damaged HVAC equipment
• Cracks or wear on exterior walls
• Damage to skylights, domes, or windows

You can make other smart moves to reduce your risk of storm damage and damage from natural disasters. Other preventive measures can make you and your family much more comfortable should actual storm damage occur. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield suggests installing CO alarms on every floor of your house. And consider purchasing a generator as a standby source of electricity.

More Information   

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield publishes educational articles on how Manchester and Mansfield area residents and businesses can protect themselves from storm damage and natural disasters and restore their property after a flood, fire, or other harmful event. We also try to give you ideas about resources in the greater Manchester and Mansfield community.

Contact Us Anytime

In Manchester the team at SERVPRO has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield anytime at 860.649.0836.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service