You’re cozied up by the fireplace with a warm cup of cocoa. It’s a snowy winter evening, and you could not be more relaxed when suddenly you get an alert for an oncoming blizzard! The wind howls, snowflakes dance, and you’re trapped in your home. But wait, can your home stand this chaos? Next thing you know, your fences are flying around, and the glooming willow outside your window is shaking violently. The branches keep knocking on your windows. The storm shows no sign of slowing down. But hold up!
Let’s rewind a little. You’re sitting in front of your cozy fireplace with your hot cocoa. You already saw the blizzard alert, but you are not worried. What changed? Well, you followed our tips to prepare your house for harsh weather.
Naperville experiences several extreme weather events throughout the year. You should be prepared for snowstorms, blizzards, summer thunderstorms, and heat waves. So read on for our trusted tips to help your house stand tall across all weather conditions.
1. Reinforce Your Roof
Naperville is the coldest in January, with the lowest recorded temperature of -29 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of -9 degrees Fahrenheit.
In such drastic temperatures, your roof is your home’s first wall of defense. So ring up a roofer in Naperville for a professional inspection. As a rule of thumb, you should inspect your roof at least twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring, to assess any damage caused by the extreme cold weather. You don’t want the roof turning into a makeshift waterfall once the summer downpour starts. Regularly check for any damage to maintain the integrity of your roof and avoid any issues escalating to costly repairs.
2. Secure All Doors and Windows
Make sure the doors and windows to your fortress stand tall and proud. Check for any gaps or cracks. Look closely around the edges for any possible damage. Tiny openings can bring catastrophic results! The teeny creaks in your doors and windows are inlet for icy winds and water, causing your utility bills to rise and making your cozy abode…not-so-cozy.
Consider installing storm shutters or replacing the glass of your windows with impact-resistant glass, a valuable investment for Naperville’s weather.
3. Don’t Forget to Check the Garage Door
Your Garage Door is the weakest link of your home, and your weakest link should always be most heavily guarded. Fortify your garage door by adding a bracing system to reinforce the existing structure. A sturdy garage door is equal to safe vehicles.
4. Trim Trees and Check for Shallow Roots
If you have tall trees around your estate, check for overhanging branches. These may pose a risk during storms or strong winds. Overhanging tree branches can damage power lines and your homes.
Ensure that the branches are trimmed short. Also, check all trees and plants for shallow roots or dead tree limbs. Shallow roots will not hold well in case of heavy rains and extreme winds, and we don’t want anything to uproot and start flailing around, posing a safety risk. Dead tree limbs are also prone to getting loose, and once free, they can damage your home’s exterior and even puncture your windows.
5. Secure Outdoor Items
Remember the new grill you got and the cute patio furniture you love? Secure it all in case of an incoming storm or blizzard. The minute you hear an alert for a weather emergency, ensure every unanchored object is moved inside your home.
6. Clear Gutters and Check Downspout Drains
Clearing your gutters may not have made the top of your to-do list, but it’s still a must. Clogged gutters will cause water to overflow, ultimately damaging your roof, siding, and foundation. So, grab a ladder and a pair of gloves and get cleaning. Additionally, ensure that your downspouts drain away from your home to avoid any damage to it.
7. Reinforce Fences
Do you have a set of white picket fences around your porch or yard? Or do you prefer rustic fencing?
Regardless of whichever type you have, confirm they are properly secured and are not creaking or loose. Excessive exposure to moisture and water can ruin your fencing. You do not want it to break off in heavy winds.
8. Protect All Exposed Pipelines
Frozen pipelines are a nightmare. The low temperatures in Naperville can cause these pipes to burst. A simple way to prevent your pipes from freezing is to allow water to drip from a faucet connected to the exposed pipes. Exposed pipes are located in unheated interior areas such as basements and garages. A continuous flow of water will prevent ice formation.
Another method is to insulate all pipes. Before insulating, disconnect and drain your garden hoses and cover all outdoor faucets with foam covers. If you have a central valve that controls water flow to outside faucets, turn it off. Once you’ve closed this valve, open all faucets again to drain any residual water. Turn off the sprinkler system and blow compressed air through the lines to drain them properly.
Additionally, close or cover the foundation vents. Now insulate all exposed pipes under your house with foam insulation. Make sure to insulate all hot and cold pipelines.
If a pipeline has frozen but hasn’t burst yet, use a heat lamp, electric heat tape, hair dryer, or any makeshift portable heater to thaw it. Keep the faucet open to allow all thawing water to drip through.
9. Create an Emergency Kit
Always be prepared for a worst-case scenario. If the weather worsens, you might be stuck in your home longer than expected. Always have an emergency kit ready to help you survive in such cases, and remember, you could also face a power outage.
A portable generator can be a lifesaver in such situations. Restock your medical prescriptions beforehand, and stock up on non-perishable food and water. Ensure your car’s tank is full, and all electronic devices are charged. Arrange flashlights, spare batteries, and preferably a weather radio too. Have a fire extinguisher at your disposal and a chainsaw to remove any broken limbs from around your home after a storm. Don’t forget a first aid kit!
Conclusion
Understanding the specific weather challenges prevalent in your location is key to effective preparation. Whether it’s floods, blizzards, or hurricanes, tailoring your preventative steps according to these conditions will enable you to take appropriate actions on time. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. So take all precautionary measures mentioned above to keep your loved ones and yourself safe during a weather emergency.
Comments are closed.