In Nebraska, we’re used to high winds. It’s the Midwest and we’re known for extreme weather conditions. We’re also known for taking great pride in the homes we live in. Maybe it’s because of the challenging weather conditions that we’ve gotten so good at protecting our homes or businesses and preventing problems before they start. As any home or business owner will tell you, extreme weather can cause all sorts of problems. However, that is if we’re not prepared for them. Maintenance and upkeep are two of the most important things we can do. This helps to keep costs down and our families and employees well-protected, year after year.
High Winds And Your Home Or Business
Whether you live in the Midwest or anywhere else in the United States, wind speeds are something to be concerned about if you own a home or business. The following will cover some of the reasons why you should always take high winds into consideration when it comes to home or building maintenance -and what you should do to prevent exterior wind damage and other problems on your property.
DIFFERENT LEVELS OF WIND CONDITIONS
Winds as low as 30 mph for up to an hour in duration are enough to cause a “wind advisory” by the National Weather Service. A wind advisory alerts people of these types of winds or frequent wind gusts of at least 45 mph. During a wind advisory, residents in the area should take care to remove small and unsecured objects on and around the property. This will help to prevent injury or damage to the home.
A high wind watch alerts residents in the area of sustained winds of 40mph for up to an hour at a time, or of frequent wind gusts of at least 58 mph, that are expected over the next 12-48 hours. During a high wind watch, driving will be difficult. Wind can also tear down power lines, trees, and smaller buildings such as sheds, barns, gazebos, treehouses, other types of makeshift constructions.
A high wind warning happens when sustained winds of over 40mph or frequent wind gusts of at least 58 mph, that are expected over the next 36-hour period. Residents are expected to prepare for strong winds and to expect very difficult driving conditions and other hazards. In all of these situations, there is usually plenty of time to prepare beforehand. It is useful to prepare the property for extreme wind conditions wherever necessary.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR STRUCTURE FOR HIGH WINDS
When winds are strong but on the low end of the scale, property owners shouldn’t need to worry too much about protecting their exterior. That is as long as the construction is solid and sound. Even in low winds, a compromised roof, lifted or loose shingles, poorly attached siding, and leaking windows are all problems that can become affected by windy days. Owners should also inspect the property before a wind advisory for loose branches or unsupported trees. Debris, outdoor furniture, trampolines, and other outdoor items should be brought inside or nailed down if necessary. This will help to prevent damage or injury during wind storms.
OTHER WAYS TO PREPARE FOR HIGH WINDS INCLUDE
Roof Inspection
Perform regular inspections and maintenance and repairs for your rooftop, which is highly susceptible to wind damage. Look for loose shingles, damaged sections, clogged gutters, debris build-up, missing shingles, and other issues. Many of these issues can lead to bigger problems after intense weather. If you have problems with your gutters clogging, consider having high-quality, steel mesh gutter guards installed. This will help to eliminate clogs, prevent water damage, and dramatically reduce maintenance needs.
Inspect Windows and Doors
If your window or door products are not well-maintained or in poor condition, this can lead to excessive energy loss during storms. Ensure that there are no holes or leaks in or around the window, and check that the weatherstripping is intact.
Inspect Your Siding
Just as important as it is to inspect the roof, windows, and doors, your siding is another critical component of your home that needs constant evaluation. Make sure that your siding is complete and intact, and have any holes or leaks repaired immediately. If your siding is not in good condition, consider siding replacement.
Trim the Trees
As we mentioned before, trees can cause serious damage in high winds and thunderstorms. Make sure that your trees are well-trimmed and cleared of broken branches and other issues. This should be done before storm season and before wind advisories happen. Be sure to plan for this ahead of time. For best results, have a landscaper or tree-trimmer service inspect your property for potential problems with your trees.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A WINDSTORM HAS PASSED
Once the high winds have passed, go outside and take a look at your exterior. If you notice missing shingles on the roof, peeling siding, water pouring off the sides of the structure, or other signs of exterior damage, it’s time to make repairs to fix the issues before they get worse.
If you suspect that there are issues that will affect the performance of your structure, call McKinnis Roofing right away. We will send an experienced professional to come over and perform an inspection for you. We will be able to spot issues and offer solutions to fix or replace them. As long as your materials are well-maintained and of good quality, having them inspected regularly will help you to save money and protect your property from storm damage.
TALK TO A ROOF EXPERT TODAY
If you are in need of an exterior or roof inspection, you need the expertise of people who have been serving Omaha, Lincoln, and Blair, Nebraska for more than 39 years. Give McKinnis a call today at 402-426-2644 or fill out our online contact form!