Tips to Protect Your Property from Wind Damage
Judie Docs, Executive Officer – CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM
North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) ncbia.com
Our homes are more important now than ever before. During storm season, powerful winds from tornados and other severe storms can put your home at risk. High winds from storms can be unpredictable and uproot trees or create flying debris that can damage your property.
You can take steps to protect your home from severe winds before storms strike. Consider the following:
Take inventory of Your Home Contents. If your property incurs severe damage from a storm, you’ll need to share the list of damaged or lost items with your insurance company. In general, a record of your assets can help expedite your claim. There are several different ways to keep a list of all your belongings. You can create a visual list with photos, a written list on paper, or a digital list. Ensure you keep copies of your photos or documents in a safe space, such as a water-tight container or fire safe. If your list is digitized, keep lists stored securely online or on a flash drive in the same safe as your other documentation.
Review Your Insurance Policies. Take time to review your insurance policies to make sure you’re covered for losses incurred as the result of a natural disaster or severe storm. Damage caused by flooding and hurricanes is generally not covered by your regular homeowner’s policy but can be purchased separately. Talk to your insurance company about any changes or upgrades that need to be made to your policy, and make sure all your information on file is up to date.
Reinforce Windows and Doors. High winds can enter your home through windows, cracks, entry doors, and garage doors. When wind funnels through your house, the force tends to push upward and could lift the roof, allowing heavy rains to damage the interior of your home.
Sealing your windows and doors as tightly as possible is essential. Don’t forget about your garage door. Home improvement stores sell hardware that can help reinforce the door.
Secure all Objects Outside of Your Home. Items around your home can take flight during a storm. Remove all dead and dying limbs from your trees and secure lawn furniture, trash cans, flower pots, and other yard ornaments. Any items that cannot be easily secured can be brought inside your home. Fences or sheds should be firmly attached to the ground and have a solid foundation.
To learn more about protecting your home from a natural disaster, visit nahb.org/consumers.
We are your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other services available to help you in the future, and more information on the above topic. So, you can see that you use an NCBIA member for your protection. If you are unsure that your contractor is a member of the NCBIA or you are looking for a list of NCBIA members, you can visit our website at www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090. We also have a job posting board (under the Industry tab).
Our 24/7 Virtual Parade of Homes!!! It lets you look at some of our builders’ new homes and communities on your mobile device or computer. You can also see our remodelers. We know time is our greatest asset, and via our NCBIA Virtual Parade of Homes, we save you time looking for a new home or a community that fits your lifestyle.
DON’T MISS OUR 2025 HOME AND REMODELING SHOW THIS WEEKEND!
The NCBIA annual Home and Remodeling Show – Saturday, March 15th, from 9-5 and Sunday, March 16th, from 10-3. New Location! Spitzer Conference Center, Lorain County Community College, 1005 North Abbe Road Elyria. Free Admission – Free Parking. Over 50 Vendors, 84 Lumber’s Kids Corner, Food Trucks, and more to come!
NCBIA – Building Homes, Enriching Communities, Changing Lives – Come Build with Us!
Like us or better yet share us on Facebook!