Protecting your home against storm damage
Check your roof
The most common claim we receive following a storm is for roof damage, so it is important to check your roof every year for any missing or damaged tiles. You should be able to do this safely from the ground by using binoculars and looking for any cracks or gaps. If there are any cracks or gaps, you should get these professionally repaired as soon as possible to prevent strong winds from getting underneath the tiles and causing more damage. MORE THAN has helpfully published a guide with more information on maintaining your roof – click here to find out more.
Checking your chimneys
Damage to chimneys is also common following a storm. Any small pre-existing problems like cracked bricks, missing chimney caps or damaged flashing can be made worse by a storm, causing much bigger problems, so it is important to fix any faults as soon as possible.
Garden furniture
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and, if a storm is coming, make sure you put any loose garden furniture somewhere secure, such as in your shed or garage – this might include flowerpots, hanging baskets, chairs, tables, bins, trampolines, garden gnomes and more. Storing these items somewhere safe when the weather worsens will prevent the wind from blowing them into your house/windows and causing damage.
Don't forget your hedges and fences
Damage to fences and hedges caused by storm isn’t covered by most home insurance policies, so it is worth making sure that these are secure. Shake your fence posts every so often to check if they’re stable and prune any overhanging branches.
Will your gutters and drains cope?
Regularly check your gutters and drains to make sure there isn’t any debris or blockages.
Safety first
Be careful if you’re making any repairs, particularly if you’re doing something you’ve not done before as you could injure yourself. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you need to.