Protect Your Property From Storm Damage

1. Repair loose masonry

It’s not unusual for brickwork to become less stable over time, which can cause a big problem for property owners. You may have noticed that the mortar between bricks tends to chip or crack. If left untreated, this can cause the bricks themselves to become loose.

Once the structure of a wall or property is impaired, it becomes far more likely to succumb to storm damage. Fortunately, getting a loose brick or mortar mix replaced isn’t a complex or costly job. In fact, you can easily get loose masonry fixed before the next set of storms hits your area.

2. Check drains and pipes

Whether it’s drizzling or lashing down sheets of rain, your drains and pipework need to be in tip top condition. If they’re unable to cope with the increased rainfall, you’ll be at risk of flooding and the associated problems it brings.

If you’ve noticed that an exterior drain appears to be flowing slowly or you’re already seeing standing water in your garden or driveway, contact a professional plumber now. Resolving a blocked drain London can take minutes, providing you’ve got the right equipment. With drain jetting, for example, experienced technicians can eliminate a blockage quickly and efficiently, without causing any damage to the structure of the drain.

3. Replace missing roof riles

Missing roof tiles are always a cause for concern. If storms are on the way, however, you’ll need to be extra vigilant about making sure your roof is able to keep the rain out. If one roof tile is missing, it’s highly likely that others are loose. When a storm hits, the wind and rain can easily displace roof tiles. As well as causing damage to your property, someone could sustain a nasty injury due to falling roof tiles.

Although you may not feel comfortable climbing a ladder to check the roof yourself, be sure to hire a roofer to do this for you. With a professional assessment, you can determine whether any pre-storm repairs are needed. In most cases, undertaking minor repairs before the worst of the weather hits can prevent you requiring more extensive work in the near future.

4. Remove overhanging branches

If you’ve got trees in your garden or on your driveway, take the time to check their condition at regular intervals. Overhanging branches can easily be splintered during a storm, which means they could come crashing down at any time. Furthermore, old or dying trees could become completely uprooted in bad weather, which could be disastrous for your property or anyone who happens to be nearby.

Even if trees survive an initial storm, don’t assume they’re safe. In some cases, the damage from the storm may not cause the branch or tree to fall straight away but this doesn’t mean it won’t succumb within a few hours or days.

5. Secure moveable hazards

If you’re keen to keep enjoying your garden for as long as possible, it makes sense to leave garden furniture, kid’s toys, sports equipment and BBQs outside. However, these items can easily be moved around if bad weather hits your area. If a trampoline slams into your fence amid a storm, for example, it could easily cause the entire fence to fall. Similarly, garden furniture can cause significant damage to vehicles, houses and garden ornaments if it isn’t secured.

Luckily, it’s very easy to prevent these types of problems from occurring. Simply secure anything moveable with appropriate ties and prevent them from being picked up by the wind. Alternatively, you could store items in a garage or conservatory if you’re not planning on using them again until Spring arrives.

Stop Storm Damage in Its Tracks

You may not be able to stop a storm hitting your area or ruining your plans, but you can prevent it from causing damage to your property. With some minor maintenance work and routine assessments, you can monitor your home throughout the storm season and ensure it remains in great condition.