How do storms damage a home

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you need storm damage restoration, don't hesitate, contact us today! 530-222-0200

Storms are as unpredictable as the damage they may cause. Storm damage restoration can be needed for many different reasons, and as much as we love the work we do, we would rather you never need restoration. We can never fully predict what a storm will do, but here are some answers to how storms damage a home and some tips to prevent it.

High winds

While wind speeds of 45 mph may take down tree branches, 50-75 mph is officially considered damaging winds. At that speed shingles and roofs may become damaged. Anything above 64 mph can cause structural damage. High winds are nothing we can control but there are some actions we can take to help prevent the damage they can cause. These actions include 

• Using storm shutters to protect your windows
• Reinforcing your roof
• Reinforcing your garage doors

Here's a link to fema.gov for more high wind protection info

Fallen Branches

As we have already stated, high winds are a cause for fallen trees and branches, but snow and ice storms can cause limbs to fall as well. As trees mature it is natural for limbs to die or weaken. Often we don’t pay attention to these limbs as they are “out of sight, out of mind” but when snow or ice accumulates on the branches, the weight increases and these weaker branches tend to break and fall. In an open field or forest this usually doesn't cause an issue, but in a neighborhood that has plenty of mature trees, this can cause extensive damage. Having your trees serviced regularly can cut down the potential of a tree limb damaging your home.

Ice and rain

Storms usually bring a significant amount of precipitation, and with precipitation comes the risk of damage. Heavy rains bring floods and leaks while ice can create ice dams and broken pipes. These potentials for damage can be avoided with some proper activities. 

• Have the grade of your landscape slope away from your home at a 2 percent angle
• Use a roof rake to remove excess snow from your roof. This will help to eliminate ice dams
• Cover all exposed outdoor pipes. Even a little bit of coverage can keep the temperature on the pipes from dipping too low.

If you have experienced storm damage in Redding, and need storm damage restoration, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to help!

530-222-0200