How to Protect Your Properties From Weather Damage

If you’re responsible for numerous properties in The Woodlands or the greater Houston area, the prospect of a storm can be stressful. While you may not be able to entirely eliminate the possibility of property damage from tropical storms, hurricanes or the other severe storms we frequently experience, you can substantially reduce your risk and mitigate any potential damage with thorough preparation, fortifying everything from your storm coverage policy to the physical strength of your roof(s).

Review Your Insurance Policy

While maybe not the first thing that comes to mind when organizing storm preparation, going over your insurance policy[1]  and verifying what you’re covered for can help expedite the roof damage claim filing process in the event of critical damage after a storm.

Secure Items In and Outside of the Home

It’s critical that you secure outdoor items or keep them inside your garage before a storm brings high winds to your doorstep. Items like patio furniture, lawn chairs and grills can become projectiles if subjected to hurricane-strength winds. Debris can break windows and cause other serious damage to your home and even occupants.

You should also fasten your interior items in the event that a severe storm shakes and destabilizes your home. Secure heavy furniture and appliances to the walls and floors to prevent them from toppling over and damaging your interior and potentially falling on someone.

Inspect Foundation

Soil saturation leading to excessive hydrostatic pressure or erosion and water intrusion due to flooding can potentially damage or weaken your home’s foundation. Structural shifting or damage can also lead to instability that can affect a home’s foundation. Although it’s not the most obvious or likely source of damage, foundations may benefit from an inspection after a severe storm damages a home.

Reinforce Garage Door

Your garage door is only second to your roof as one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a storm. Due to being an access point, it’s at an elevated risk of being blown off during a storm, allowing rain and wind to infiltrate your interior. Bracing your garage door with a kit or replacing it with a wind-rated model can reduce the possibility of this happening.

Prepare for a Power Outage

Power outages are common occurrences during storms and can sometimes last long after the wind and rain have cleared. Some homeowners in the Houston area were without power for more than a week after Hurricane Beryl made landfall in July 2024.

It’s essential to be prepared. Homeowners with means may even want to invest in a backup generator to ensure they have access to power. It can also be a good idea to unplug all appliances during the outage to prevent a power surge that can damage appliances and wiring.

You should also keep flashlights, batteries, non-perishable foods, water and a first aid kit in your home to be prepared for storms.

Schedule Roof Maintenance Regularly and Repairs Promptly

The roof is a home’s first line of defense against a hurricane or tropical storm, and as a result, it is the most susceptible to storm damage. Scheduling routine roof maintenance visits from a professional can go a long way in protecting your roof from storm damage.

A roofer can inspect, repair and replace shingles as needed to reduce your risk of high winds tearing them off your roof, leaving you vulnerable to water infiltration.

They can also implement necessary repairs or even roof replacement if necessary. Even small roof vulnerabilities during a storm can escalate into major problems that can cause extensive damage to your home. If full or partial replacement is necessary due to storm damage, a qualified roofer should be able to thoroughly document damage and assist with the claims process.

Hire a Family-Owned Roofing Company That’s Helped The Woodlands Homeowners Repair Storm Damage For Years

Our dedicated roofing experts will help you with every aspect of storm damage, from fortifying your roof with efficient maintenance, repair and roof replacement to advising you on your roof damage claim after a storm.

We’re available 24/7 for emergency storm response – learn more by calling (832) 702-0201.

  Link to "Understanding Your Home Insurance Policy" blog