Tag: weather

Staying calm after the storm: What to do about storm damage

Staying calm after the storm: What to do about storm damage

There have been a fair few storms this year, with some of the most severe causing serious storm damage to homes and property. A storm is unpredictable, and until it’s over, you won’t know what you’re dealing with.

Storm damage comes in many forms, causing a lot of stress to families. As you get over the initial shock, you can get to work on repairing the damage and get your home back in order. Have a look at some of the ways you can assess and address the damage and find the calm after the storm.

Assess your damage

Once the storm has cleared, and it’s safe, you can start assessing damage to your home. Some of the most commonly affected areas include garden fences, roofs, windows and doors. Minor damage like broken garden furniture can be taken care of easily, but more significant damage will need further assessment by experts.

Consult your insurers

If your home requires some major repairs, then you should contact your insurers to make a claim. This can ease a lot of the stress that comes with dealing with storm damage, as they will likely take care of the repairs on your behalf. When claiming for storm damage, it’s important to be as detailed and organised as possible. Make detailed notes, keep track of costs and take plenty of photos. Your claim will be assessed by a loss adjuster before being passed onto the underwriter to decide if your claim is accepted or not.

Take care of the initial clean-up

You may need to wait for some of the repairs to be carried out, especially if you’re dealing with significant damage. However, for the minor damage, you can get to work straight away to clean it up. Clear any broken glass and debris and try to restore some semblance of order. You may find things look a lot less severe once you’ve cleared away some of the initial mess.

Bring in some help

The worst storm damage will likely need some professional help to repair. Leaks, damage to your garden and roof repair require experienced expert hands to ensure they’re repaired properly and prevent further damage. These works can take some time to be commenced and completed. This could mean you may need to move to temporary, alternative accommodation if the repairs are going to cause some inconvenience in your home – like a loss of water, for example. Depending on your policy, your insurance company could arrange this for you.

Avoid attempting to fix major damage yourself, you could injure yourself or make things worse. Dealing with storm damage can be frustrating, especially if you’re concerned about the financial cost of your repairs. But assessing the damage immediately and taking action can help you get things taken care of more swiftly, so you can get back to normality. Preparing your home against future storms could help you avoid further damage to your home, helping you feel more confident the next time there’s a severe weather warning.

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How to prepare yourself and your home for stormy weather

How to prepare yourself and your home for stormy weather

The arrival this week of Storm Darragh has proven that stormy weather can be unpredictable and often comes with a range of hazards, from heavy rain and strong winds to power outages and flooding. Being prepared can help you protect your home, ensure your safety and minimise damage. Here’s a useful and comprehensive guide to help you and your home weather the storm.

1. Stay informed

  • Monitor weather forecasts Stay updated with local weather reports and alerts. Use reliable sources such as the Met Office, local news channels and weather apps.
  • Sign up for alerts Register for emergency notifications in your area. These can be sent via text, email or through dedicated apps.
  • Plan an evacuation route If you live in an area prone to severe stormy weather, know the evacuation routes and have a plan in place. Practice the route with your family.

2. Secure your home

  • Inspect your roof Check for loose or damaged shingles and repair them. Ensure that gutters and downpipes are clear and functioning properly.
  • Trim trees and shrubs Remove dead or weak branches that could fall during strong winds. Trim trees to prevent them from damaging your property.
  • Secure outdoor items Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, decorations and other loose items that could become projectiles in high winds.
  • Reinforce windows and doors Install storm shutters or use plywood to cover windows. Ensure that doors, especially garage doors, are securely closed and locked.
  • Check the drainage system Ensure that your home’s drainage system is clear and functioning to prevent flooding.

3. Prepare an emergency kit

  • Essential supplies Include items like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid kits and medications.
  • Important documents Gather and store important documents such as insurance policies, identification and medical records in a waterproof container.
  • Communication devices Have a charged mobile phone, a portable charger and a battery-powered radio.
  • Warm clothing and blankets In case of power outages, keep warm clothing and blankets readily available.

4. Protect your home’s interior

  • Turn off utilities If advised by local authorities, turn off gas, water and electricity to prevent accidents.
  • Unplug electronics Unplug sensitive electronic devices to protect them from power surges.
  • Secure furniture Move heavy furniture away from windows to prevent damage from broken glass.
  • Waterproof valuables Place important belongings in plastic bags or containers to protect them from water damage.

5. Prepare Your Family

  • Communicate your plan Make sure all family members know the emergency plan, including where to go, what to do and who to contact.
  • Special needs Consider the needs of pets, elderly family members and those with disabilities. Ensure they have the necessary supplies and assistance.
  • Emergency contacts Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, neighbours and local emergency services.

6. During the storm

  • Stay indoors Avoid going outside during the storm. If you must go outside, wear appropriate protective clothing and be cautious of downed power lines and debris.
  • Stay informed Continue to monitor weather updates and follow any instructions from local authorities.
  • Use battery-powered devices If there’s a power outage, use battery-powered devices to stay informed and avoid carbon monoxide poisoning from generators.
  • Stay calm Keep a calm and reassuring demeanour to help manage stress and anxiety, especially for children and pets.

7. After the storm

  • Assess damage Once it is safe, carefully assess your home and property for any damage. Take photos for insurance claims.
  • Check utilities Inspect your gas, water and electrical systems for leaks or damage. If you detect any issues, contact the appropriate utility company.
  • Clean up Remove debris and fallen branches from your property. Be cautious of sharp objects and slippery surfaces.
  • Seek assistance: If you need help, contact local authorities or disaster relief organisations. They can provide resources and support.

8. Long-term preparedness

  • Regular maintenance Conduct regular maintenance on your home to ensure it is in good condition before the storm season.
  • Insurance review Review your insurance policy to ensure it covers storm damage. Understand your coverage and deductibles.
  • Emergency drills Practice emergency drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do when a storm hits.
  • Financial preparedness Set aside an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses related to storm damage and recovery.

Conclusion

Preparing for stormy weather is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of you and your family. By staying informed, securing your home and having an emergency plan in place, you can reduce the risks and manage the aftermath more effectively. Remember, safety comes first, and a little preparation can go a long way in protecting your home and loved ones.

Weatherproofing your home: Essential tips for protecting against moisture damage

Weatherproofing your home: Essential tips for protecting against moisture damage

Weatherproofing your home is crucial for maintaining its structural integrity and preventing costly repairs. Moisture damage can lead to a host of problems, including mould growth, wood rot and compromised foundations. By taking proactive measures, you can protect your home from the elements and ensure it remains a safe and comfortable place to live. Here are some essential tips for weatherproofing your home against moisture damage.

Inspect and repair your roof

The roof is your home’s first line of defence against the weather. A well-maintained roof prevents water from entering and causing damage.

Solution:

Regularly inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles, cracks and signs of wear. Pay special attention to areas around chimneys, vents and skylights. Use Denso flashing tape to seal any potential leak points. This high-quality tape provides a durable, waterproof seal, ensuring your roof remains watertight.

Seal windows and doors

Windows and doors are common entry points for moisture. Ensuring they are properly sealed can prevent water from infiltrating your home.

Solution:

Check the caulking around windows and doors for cracks or gaps, and reapply as needed. Use weatherstripping to seal gaps around doors. For an extra layer of protection, consider using storm windows and doors. Regular maintenance will help keep these seals intact, preventing drafts and leaks.

Maintain gutters and downpipes

Properly functioning gutters and downpipes are essential for directing water away from your home’s foundation. Clogged or damaged gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into your home.

Solution:

Clean your gutters regularly, especially during the fall when leaves can accumulate. Ensure downpipes extend away from your home to direct water flow away from the foundation. Consider installing gutter guards to reduce the frequency of clogs. Inspect and repair any damaged sections to maintain optimal performance.

Protect your foundation

A compromised foundation can lead to serious structural issues and water damage. Keeping water away from your foundation is critical for maintaining your home’s stability.

Solution:

Ensure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation to promote proper drainage. Install a French drain or a sump pump if you experience persistent water problems. Applying a waterproof sealant to your foundation walls can also provide an extra layer of protection against moisture infiltration.

Insulate and ventilate

Proper insulation and ventilation are key to preventing moisture build-up inside your home. Moisture-laden air can condense on cooler surfaces, leading to mould and mildew growth.

Solution:

Insulate your home to keep indoor temperatures stable and reduce condensation. Ensure your attic, loft and crawl spaces are well-ventilated to allow moisture to escape. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove excess humidity. Regularly check for signs of mould and address any issues promptly.

Use Denso Flashing Tape

Denso flashing tape is an excellent product for sealing joints and seams around your home. It’s especially useful for areas prone to leaks, such as roof edges, windows and doors.

Solution:

Apply Denso flashing tape to any joints, seams or gaps where water might enter. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before application. The tape’s strong adhesive and waterproof properties provide a reliable barrier against moisture, enhancing your home’s overall weatherproofing.

Conclusion

Weatherproofing your home is an essential task that protects it from moisture damage and extends its lifespan. By regularly inspecting and maintaining your roof, sealing windows and doors, maintaining gutters and downpipe, protecting your foundation, insulating and ventilating properly and using high-quality products like Denso flashing tape, you can safeguard your home against the elements. Taking these steps not only prevents costly repairs but also ensures a safe, dry and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

Implement these essential weatherproofing tips today to keep your home protected from moisture damage and enjoy peace of mind knowing your investment is well-guarded against the elements.

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Keeping cool in a heatwave from morning to night

Keeping cool in a heatwave from morning to night

As soon as spring rolls around in the Northern Hemisphere, you’re never far – these days – from a potential heatwave. People’s reactions to a rise in the mercury vary wildly from person to person, but with each hot day, more and more people will agree that the novelty eventually wears off. There’s certainly such a thing as being too hot, and while we don’t all reach that point at the same time, we all get there eventually. So it’s a good idea to have a plan for keeping cool in a heatwave, and all the better if it’s one that keeps you cool from sundown to sun-up.

Chase the sun (but not like that)

Direct sunlight pouring into your home causes the space to get warmer, quicker. If you have a cat, you’ll notice that they enjoy lying on the window sill when it’s particularly sunny – because a cat will always seek out the warm spots. But this greenhouse effect warms your whole home, and even one degree more can quickly become intolerable. So when you can see the sun soaking in through your windows, lower the blind and/or close the curtains; it’s best if you have blackout blinds and curtains for this specific purpose. During the day, the sun will cross over to the other side, so make sure to follow it and draw the blinds there, too.

Use fans in a smart way

Running a fan in your home or workspace can be reassuring in the hotter weather, but for many people it soon becomes clear that you’re basically moving hot air around and getting little relief from the heat. The smart move here is to place a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of the fan, and as the ice melts the fan will blow cooled water particles in your direction. This is the same principle by which air conditioning works, and it’s highly effective.

Speaking of air conditioning…

Running the air conditioning in your home cools the air, but when should you run it? Leaving it on all day is surely going to be too expensive, so should you ration it to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck? Well, no, not really. In fact, leaving the air con running may work out cheaper – it’s all about the temperature at which you set it. Find a temperature where you feel comfortable: let’s say between 20ºC and 24ºC. Set your evaporative cooling service to keep things at that level, and it will only run when it needs to, before returning to idling the rest of the time. This will use less energy than letting the temperature climb into the 30s or above and then running the air con, so it makes financial sense.

Windows: open at night, closed during the day

There’ll be a temptation to open your windows when your home is warm and it’s sunny outside, but this isn’t an efficient thing to do. If it’s hotter outside than it is in your home (and it invariably is in the morning), then you’re just letting in cool air, so keep them closed. Overnight, the temperature drops by several degrees, so keep the windows open a crack when you go to bed; you’ll sleep more soundly and wake up to a fresher, cooler house.

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