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Protecting Your Property From Damaging Winds | SERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County
11/26/2018 (Permalink)
Protect your property from damaging winds!
There are many concerns that come with severe storms, and damaging winds are always a threat. These winds, which can come with little to no notice, can be devastating and cause long-term structural impacts.
While many consider damaging winds to come from a tornado or hurricane, those are not the only times when they may come into play. Traditionally, damaging winds are considered those with wind speeds exceeding 50–60 mph. They can stem from a strong thunderstorm and are called “straight-line” winds, which cause damage much like tornadoes and, yet, the damage is different.
The damage from these winds can be especially destructive, as they can also cause loose objects on your property to become projectiles. Windows and the roof are especially vulnerable and can take the brunt of this damage, and if the damage is extensive, water damage can result inside the home as the outside elements are allowed indoors.
Anyone who lives in a thunderstorm-prone area will be at risk from damaging winds, but there are some structures that are especially at risk in winds over 80 mph, including mobile homes, even those that are anchored.
There are a number of ways you can protect your property from damaging winds, but keep the “Two R’s” in mind: reinforce and remove. A few of these are listed below:
Have a professional reinforce your garage door.
Remove and/or anchor loose objects on your property, such as trash cans, grills and outdoor furniture, that could be moved or tossed by the wind.
Hire a professional to remove large or dying trees and branches that could fall over onto your home.
Not all high wind circumstances come with advanced warning, but some of these action items could be the difference between damage and little-to-no damage.
Also, when building a new home or renovating an older home, be sure the windows, walls and doors are up to code for the weather in your area.
Should your home ever be hit by damaging winds and resulting water damage, our highly trained specialists at SERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County are here to help with the cleanup and restoration of your home at all times of the day. Call us at 845-831-3600.