Wind Storms

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Blizzards and rain storms are commonplace in Massachusetts and even though hurricanes and tornadoes are not, wind storms are. 

A windstorm occurs when wind exceeds 34 mph (55 km/h) and may or may not be accompanied by precipitation. These may be short bursts of high-speed winds or long periods of sustained wind. Regardless, the risk of damage to your Newton, MA commercial or residential property remain the same.

Preventative Measures

Inspect your roof. Consider hurricane straps to ensure your roof is bolted to the rest of your house. Inspect your roof tiles or shingles to make sure they are secure. Use roofing cement to fix any loose tiles to prevent them from becoming projectiles during a storm and damaging the underlying roofing material. Seal any areas where wires enter the home, minimizing the chance of water damage during heavy wind and rain.

Trim your trees. Broken limbs could land on your (or your neighbor’s) roof/house or become missiles that can break windows during a storm. If your tree damages your house or a neighbor’s house, your insurance covers the damages, but it may pay only a portion.

Brace your garage door to prevent more extensive damage.  Most garage doors are not reinforced, and when the wind gets into the garage, it creates a positive push at the same time that the wind swirling above the structure creates a negative pull. That push-pull combination can cause result in significant damage to the roof of your garage. Purchasing a garage door brace kit at your local hardware store and installing it prior to a wind storm will minimize the risk.

Secure your windows and doors. Broken windows can let in wind and rain, and they can also increase the pressure under the roof. Storm shutters provide the best protection, but boarding up windows when a storm is on the way can help, too. Make sure doors have several locking mechanisms so they don’t fly open; deadbolts are best. It is important to secure windows and doors at all sides because wind can and will change direction.

When storms damage your commercial or residential property call the experts at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley - (617) 332-9000. We are ready to respond 24 hours a day, every day of the year, even holidays! We will make it, "Like it never even happened."