Common Storm Damage that Could Affect Your House
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Wind, rain, hail — storms are no joke. Wild weather can wreak havoc on your plans and your home. Even worse, when left untreated, many of these issues can lead to water damage and other costly problems. To help you be better prepared, we've rounded up some of the most common storm-related issues that could affect your home.
Flooding
Flooding is among the most common natural disasters in the United States and around the globe. Floods cause worldwide damage that tallies at more than $40 billion every year, and in the U.S. costs top $8 billion, notes "National Geographic." Even scarier than that dollar amount is the damage floods leave in their wake — mold, mildew, and structural problems, just to name a few.
No matter if it's caused by a tropical storm, hurricane, snow storm, or stretch of rainy weather, a flood can devastate your home. Even a few inches of water can cause major water damage. That leads to problems with flooring, your home's structure, and your belongings. Not to mention the fact that when your area floods, it can leave you without clean drinking water or power, and leave your area vulnerable to landslides.
Electrical Damage
Thunderstorms, tropical storms, hurricanes, and even some snow storms (thundersnow, anyone?) carry a risk of lightning. And do you know what that means? Possible electrical problems. If lightning strikes, the surge of electricity can travel through your home's wiring, damaging appliances and electric devices that are connected to it.
Protect your home by:
Did you know that hail damage can cost around $1 billion every year? That's the estimate from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Tropical storms, snow storms and other severe storms can produce hail in a range of sizes that can destroy plants, dent vehicles, and damage your roof or siding. Once your roof or siding is damaged, your risk for water damage during the next storm increases too. There are a few ways to protect yourself and your home, including investing in hail-resistant roofing and siding, using storm shutters, and putting personal property inside whenever possible.
Whirling Winds
Hail isn't the only thing you have to worry about year-round. Strong storms in any season can produce winds capable of carrying Dorothy all the way to Oz. Even worse, those winds can lift roof shingles, damage siding, or send unsecured outdoor furnishings and accessories hurtling through the air. Storm shutters can help protect windows, and roofing rated for the average top wind speeds in your area can provide extra peace of mind.
Whether you're prepping for a big storm or cleaning up afterward, having a little extra cash on hand makes it easier to protect and restore your home. If you don't already have an emergency fund, consider getting a loan to pay for repairs. Learn more here!
Flooding
Flooding is among the most common natural disasters in the United States and around the globe. Floods cause worldwide damage that tallies at more than $40 billion every year, and in the U.S. costs top $8 billion, notes "National Geographic." Even scarier than that dollar amount is the damage floods leave in their wake — mold, mildew, and structural problems, just to name a few.
No matter if it's caused by a tropical storm, hurricane, snow storm, or stretch of rainy weather, a flood can devastate your home. Even a few inches of water can cause major water damage. That leads to problems with flooring, your home's structure, and your belongings. Not to mention the fact that when your area floods, it can leave you without clean drinking water or power, and leave your area vulnerable to landslides.
Electrical Damage
Thunderstorms, tropical storms, hurricanes, and even some snow storms (thundersnow, anyone?) carry a risk of lightning. And do you know what that means? Possible electrical problems. If lightning strikes, the surge of electricity can travel through your home's wiring, damaging appliances and electric devices that are connected to it.
Protect your home by:
- Using surge protectors — whole-home protection is best
- Unplugging electronic devices
- Connecting devices to surge suppressors to prevent lightning from destroying your gear
Did you know that hail damage can cost around $1 billion every year? That's the estimate from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Tropical storms, snow storms and other severe storms can produce hail in a range of sizes that can destroy plants, dent vehicles, and damage your roof or siding. Once your roof or siding is damaged, your risk for water damage during the next storm increases too. There are a few ways to protect yourself and your home, including investing in hail-resistant roofing and siding, using storm shutters, and putting personal property inside whenever possible.
Whirling Winds
Hail isn't the only thing you have to worry about year-round. Strong storms in any season can produce winds capable of carrying Dorothy all the way to Oz. Even worse, those winds can lift roof shingles, damage siding, or send unsecured outdoor furnishings and accessories hurtling through the air. Storm shutters can help protect windows, and roofing rated for the average top wind speeds in your area can provide extra peace of mind.
Whether you're prepping for a big storm or cleaning up afterward, having a little extra cash on hand makes it easier to protect and restore your home. If you don't already have an emergency fund, consider getting a loan to pay for repairs. Learn more here!
