Whether it’s from a tornado, a hurricane or just a bad thunderstorm, high winds can cause a great deal of damage to your home. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, wind speeds as little as 40 mph can damage tree limbs and loose items on and around your home. And at around 60 mph, structural damage is possible. So what is the best way to protect your home from wind damage?

While it is unlikely to come out of a Category 5 hurricane damage-free, it is possible to protect your home. Here are five steps you can take to limit wind damage. Most of them aren’t complicated, but getting them done can save you a lot of money and grief if your home is hit by a storm.

Secure Your Shingles

Even moderate winds can pull at loose roof shingles and pull them off without warning. Each shingle should be secured by at least six nails or staples. If you have already installed a waterproof underlayment underneath the shingles, it will protect the roof from water and wind damage if the shingles are damaged. This is a job you could do if you have strong DIY skills and are comfortable climbing on roofs. Otherwise, most roofers will examine the roof and repair any damage for a flat hourly fee.

Secure Loose Or Vulnerable Objects

Whether it’s the rickety old aluminum shed or the kid’s wooden play set, your yard likely has a few items which will tip over or go flying during a strong wind storm. Secure them with ground anchors and straps. Also make sure to secure smaller objects such as grills, which can become big missiles in a heavy wind storm.

Protect Your Home From Wind Damage Caused By Trees

It’s great to have a shade tree or two in your yard. But having them placed too close to the house means that if they are ripped out of the ground by high winds, they’ll end up damaging your home. Have a professional remove them and the cost of that will depend on the size of the tree.

Reinforce Your Garage Door

If your garage door is already damaged or loose, strong winds could easily take it away from your house. Hire a professional to inspect your garage door to do garage door repairs so they can see any issues they may find while carefully inspecting the door. As a solution for your garage that will improve the usability of your space, you should also take into account Garage ceiling storage.

Protect Your Windows

If you live somewhere that is prone to high winds or is located in a hurricane or tornado-rich environment, it probably pays to get storm shutters installed. There permanent protective coverings can be easily placed over every window and when locked can help protect your home from wind damage. If wind shutters are not an option, you can install sheets of plywood over the windows and doors to protect the interior. For complete home protection, consider hiring services like rochester boiler maintenance.

Hire A Home Inspector

There are always things you’ll miss as you make your checklist of fixes. The best option is to hire a professional home inspector to perform a wind mitigation inspection. They will be able to tell you what features may reduce wind damage to your home and will highlight any possible points of weakness. They’ll also be able to suggest the best possible fixes as well as things for you to consider in the future.

This list should give you a heads-up on what you need to do to protect your home from wind damage. Once you’ve taken these steps, you’ll be well on your way to having a secure home.

Walton Inspection Services provides wind mitigation inspections for Murrells Inlet and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule yours today.