Protecting Your Property from Wind Damage
01/20/2025
Wind damage can be a costly and devastating experience for property owners. Whether it's a severe thunderstorm or a freak windstorm, the damage caused by high winds can lead to large repairs, financial strain and emotional distress.
But what defines a windstorm? According to the Met office, a windstorm occurs when wind speeds are 41 knots (47 MPH) or higher. Winds of this speed can cause major damage to your property and at times, threats to life. Below are some tips to help protect your property.Protecting Your Roof
The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your building during a windstorm so it’s essential checks are completely on a regular basis. Check for loose or missing tiles and make sure they’re repaired or replaced before the weather turns. Make sure that any gaps are also sealed as this stops any wind driven rain entering your property.
Clear your pipes
While checking the roof, include gutters and pipes on your checklist. Make sure these are secured to the property and clear any blockages. Leaving leaves and debris in your pipes or gutters can cause overflows leading to potential water damage.
Tidy outdoor spaces
If you’re responsible for maintaining the outdoor space of your property, get ahead of the storm by tidying away loose items such as tables, chairs and any pots you may have. Cut back any overhanging or loose branches on trees or hedges. This will stop them falling off and causing damage to your property or someone else’s. Don’t forget to secure any fences or posts that you have for the same reason.
Securing Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are vulnerable to wind and debris. Protect them by replacing any cracked windows and sealing any gaps. Not only will this prevent draughts within your building but it will also prevent water or rain from entering your building. Using draught excluders can also help you save energy as it’ll stop heat leaving your property.
Gazebos and Sheds
Gazebos are a popular item among organisations however, they are particularly vulnerable to wind damage and can cause injury or property damage in high wind conditions. Below are some tips to protect your Gazebo:
Anchoring: Secure the gazebo to a solid base using heavy-duty anchors or stakes. This will prevent it from being lifted up or being blown over by strong winds.
Temporary Removal: If a severe windstorm is forecasted, temporarily take down the canopy or fabric from your gazebo to reduce wind resistance.
Regular Maintenance: Inspect your gazebo regularly for any signs of wear or damage, and repair or replace any weakened components promptly.
Like gazebos, sheds are also vulnerable in windstorms. Securing these are essential if you’re not able to take them down before the storm hits. Consider these tips when preparing your shed:
- Treat the wood to prevent it from swelling or rotting. Wood is easily affected by the weather so adding an oil-based preservative will offer long lasting protection
- Secure the shed or garden building to a solid base.
- Seal any gaps that you have around windows and doors. Caulk and expanding foam are effective in closing gaps.
- Secure the roof by tightening any loose nails or screws. You could also apply roofing sealant to these to create a watertight seal.
Preparing for a Windstorm
Even with all these protective and preventative measures in place, it's essential to be prepared for a windstorm. Get ahead by having the following to hand:
Emergency Kit: Have an emergency kit on hand with essential supplies, such as water, food, medications, and first aid items. Include instructions like how to safely turn off the power, water and gas.
Evacuation Plan: Create an evacuation plan and make sure all volunteers and employees know what to do.
Insurance Coverage: Check your buildings insurance policy to ensure that it covers wind damage and make any necessary adjustments. Make sure you’ve used the rebuild value, not the sale value as the rebuild will also include the cost of debris removal and rebuilding costs.
After the storm
Once the storm has passed and the wind has settled, try to act quickly if you’ve got any damage. Report an insurance claim as quickly as possible and always check with your insurer before completing any work. Taking lots of photo’s and videos to show the extent of damage can help your insurance claim
