How to Keep Your House Safe From Weather-Related Damage

If you’re like most Americans, housing is one of the biggest expenses you will have in your lifetime. While many people would like to have a property of their own, not everybody can afford it. If you’re among the lucky few who has managed to buy a home, this may well be the largest investment you make in your lifetime. Understandably, you want to protect it accordingly. Even with regular maintenance, unforeseen and uncontrollable events like natural disasters and everyday weather can hurt your house and detract from its value. Luckily, there are preventative measures you can take to keep this from happening. Follow the below guidelines to protect your investment.

Beware the damage of windstorms: Be proactive about roof inspections

Weather-related events like hurricanes and windstorms are a major reason for homeowner's insurance claims. Strong gusts can rip shingles off of your roof, for instance, or even destabilize a brick chimney. Pay to have a professional roof inspection done after any major storm. Failing to fix your roof promptly can result in even more damage: For instance, if moisture seeps in due to leaks, you might find yourself facing a hazardous mold problem. If a fix isn't enough to remediate leaks, you will have to get the roof replaced completely. One silver lining: Homes with well-maintained roofs sell better and more quickly on the housing market.

Protect against freezing temperatures: Prepare your pipes for the winter

When water freezes, it expands. If you have residual water sitting in pipes and it freezes, the added pressure can cause cracks or even a burst pipe. Burst pipes are a major cause of water damage to property and could mean you’ll have to repaint walls, replace carpets, and buy new furniture. Make sure cooler spaces like the attic and basement don’t go below freezing in winter. Adding insulation to these less-heated rooms will keep the warmth in. According to the Department of Energy, this can even mean lower utilities costs for you, making this insulation well worth the cost. The average cost of spray insulation is about $3,500 to $4,500 but in the long term, you’ll save money on heating.

Safeguard against hail, snow, and wind: Get your trees trimmed regularly

Lush, tall green trees are a lovely sight in your garden. When inclement weather strikes, however, they may become dangerous as they drop branches onto your property. Falling limbs can damage your car or house, or even hurt people. Hire a professional to prune your trees annually. They will look for damaged or dead growth, which is more likely to come down in a storm, and cut it down safely. If you need a tree removed, this runs from $400 to $2,000 depending on the size of the tree and how easy it is to access.

Prepare for winter cold: Have your chimney checked

When snow is falling outside, there’s nothing cozier than curling up in front of the fireplace with your loved ones. Before you start using your chimney in the cold season, however, have it inspected. A professional will make sure there aren’t any issues, like leaves or debris blocking the exhaust, and provide a cleaning. This helps prevent issues such as carbon monoxide gas emissions and house fires. A house fire can cost your entire investment and, in this instance, is preventable. Don’t take any chances.

Take the above steps now and you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected against the elements. If you are planning to sell your property, this also ensures that the value won’t take a hit in the meantime. Most importantly, however, these tips help protect the valuable possessions and the people under your roof.

For expert realty service in Northern Arizona, partner with dedicated agent Luther Kraxberger! Call 503-347-4755 today to schedule a consultation.

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