Though the end of hurricane season is in November, there is still plenty of time for severe storms to rear their ugly heads. And, as any Lowcountry local knows, floods and damaging winds can happen year-round in the coastal south. 

Luckily, there are steps you can take to ready your home for storm season and maintain it no matter the weather. We’ve gathered our expertise from over three decades of building and renovating homes in Charleston to share with you so you’re equipped to be a savvy homeowner and keep your abode safe, rain or shine. 

Common Weather Problems

Wind and rain are the most common problems in Charleston, and when combined, they can be particularly dangerous, often leading to flooding and other damage. Strong winds can often blow heavy rain into roof vents or ridge caps, causing leaks. Wind and flooding can also cause water to get behind walls or flooring and cause mold or mildew. 

Standing water from flooding or other leaks in your home can also damage floors and furniture, short-circuit power outlets, and damage electronics. Before severe weather with a potential flood, unplug electronics, including surge protectors and power strips, and move them to higher locations where they won’t be damaged by water. If you are evacuating from severe weather, turning off your power can help reduce damage to your electrical system. 

Should water enter your home, dehumidify and dry out the affected areas as soon as possible to prevent further water damage and dangerous mold. 

Maintenance and Inspections

Maintaining your home all year is the best way to ensure it doesn’t suffer catastrophic damage during severe weather. Regular maintenance and home inspections are the easiest way to avoid spending money on costly repairs down the road. 

Before any significant storm season, it’s a good idea to go through the following checklist to ensure your home is in tip-top shape. 

• Keep your gutters clean and in good condition to improve water mitigation. 
• Trim back bushes and trees that are close enough to your house to cause damage in a windstorm. 
• Make sure to bring in any exterior furniture that’s not secured during severe weather. 
• If you don’t have impact-rated glass, cover glass doors and windows with a system of screws, clips, and plywood protection known as PLYFASTNER during severe weather to protect them. 
• While not an end-all solution, sandbags can help direct and mitigate water flow from areas where it is most likely to enter your home, like around doors and crawl spaces. 
• Have your roof inspected regularly, especially after a windstorm, to ensure everything is secured and there is no damage. 

While there is no right answer for how often you should have your home inspected, you should have it checked before hurricane season every year and as soon as you notice a problem. It’s better to call experts who can diagnose and remedy the problem before it evolves into a major issue that could cause serious damage to your home. 

Weather-Proof Your Home

In addition to regular home inspections, you can add some preventative features to your home to help weather-proof it. Drip edges and larger overhangs will help protect your roof and prevent water from blowing in, while weather-resistant barriers, weep holes in masonry walls, French drains, and proper grading will ensure your home and property are safe during flooding. 

Weather-Rated Materials

If you’re planning a renovation or home maintenance, consider weather-rated materials and products to lessen potential damage to your home. Depending on where you live, you may be required by law to have these materials installed. 

Impact windows and doors are highly recommended for this part of South Carolina, but if you don’t have them, you are required to have other means of windborne debris protection, such as PLYFASTNER. They can withstand strong winds and are less likely to shatter should objects be thrown against them. If you live in an older home that hasn’t been recently updated, you may need to check to see if you have installed impact windows and doors. 

You should also use treated lumber for any part of your home that could come into contact with weather elements or the ground, as it is less susceptible to water damage. 

Other weather-durable materials to consider when in the planning phase of your renovation include:

• Concrete
• DensGlass
• Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
• Impact-resistant shingles 
• Moisture-resistant insulation
• Fiber cement siding

Other ways to stay safe

After your home’s been weather-proofed and prepared, it’s time to batten the hatches! 

Make sure you have potable water, an alternative way to cook food in case the power goes out, and extra water for dishes, toilets, and bathing. Be sure to stock up on shelf-stable foods and food for your pet if you have one. Charge backup batteries and vital electronics prior to severe weather, and if you’re in an area prone to power outages, consider investing in a gas generator. 

These precautions and regular home maintenance can ensure you’re prepared when Mother Nature strikes. 

Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!

Know the steps to take to protect your home from hurricane damage.

It’s September! As we look forward to things like cooler temps and the start of football season, we can’t forget that we’re also right in the middle of the hurricane season. In fact, early August through end of October is the peak of hurricane season in the Atlantic. Now is the time to make sure you have a plan and the supplies to protect your home in the event of a storm.

Here are a few tips to help shield your home from costly hurricane damage:

Secure Doors and Windows

If you don’t already have them, you may want to invest in storm shutters. Storm shutters are durable and will help protect your windows and doors from wind, rain, hail and flying debris. If you don’t have storm shutters, opt for plywood to board up windows before the storm arrives. Count and measure all of your windows and doors to be sure you have enough material on hand to do your board up. We’ve all seen how quickly supplies dwindle when a storm is on the way!

DO NOT TAPE WINDOWS. There is a common believe that taping your windows will help prevent cracks. Many experts say this is nothing more than a myth.

You also want to ensure that your door and window locks are secure. The last thing you want is a door or window flying open during strong winds.

Also take some time to caulk around doors and windows to prevent any moisture from entering the home and causing damage.

 

Reinforce Your Garage Door

Garage doors are often prone to wind damage thanks to their large size and the lightweight materials with which they are built. Although many newer garage doors are designed to withstand higher wind forced, if you have an older door you will want to consider some type of reinforcement. Bracing your door not only helps to prevent the door from breaking off the track, it will also help protect your roof. Did you know that when wind gets into the garage it creates a simultaneous push-pull with the wind swirling above the home and can cause the roof to fly off your house? So don’t forget about the garage.

Bracing kits are available for purchase from most home improvement stores. You can also research DIY methods online to see what works best for you.

 

Inspect and Repair Attached Structures

In addition to the garage, make sure any carports, porches, decks and sheds are in good repair and firmly attached. Don’t forget to clean out gutters and make any necessary repairs.

 

 

Trim Up Your Landscaping

A category 1 hurricane, with wind speeds between 74-95 miles per hour can cause large tree branches to snap and shallow rooted trees to fall. A category 4 storm can reach wind speeds between 130-156 miles per hour. That will uproot entire trees and power poles. To minimize the threat of damage caused by flying tree limbs, take the time to trim trees and bushes, removing any dead or weak branches. If you any trees that look unhealthy, have those trees removed. When an impending storm is on the horizon, you may want to also consider tying down any small trees or shrubs to help prevent uprooting.

 

Remove Patio Furniture

Although it probably goes without saying, don’t forget to move any patio furniture, flower pots, grills or other outdoor items to a secured indoor area. These items can also get blown about in strong winds and cause damage to your property or your neighbor’s property.

Preparing for a hurricane is not something that should wait until a storm is headed our way. By being proactive and preparing in advance, you stand a better chance of keeping yourself, your property and your belongings safe. Visit the National Hurricane Center and Ready.gov for more information on planning evacuation routes, building supply kits and much more.