When Hurricane Season Strikes: Your Middlesex County Property’s First Line of Defense Starts with Smart Preparation
Hurricane season brings unique challenges to Middlesex County property owners, where coastal lowlands can make properties prone to flooding and severe storms, heavy snow or rainfall, and the occasional hurricane can provide additional property damage. With storms common in the Middlesex County, NJ area consisting of wind and precipitation which cause the most property damage, with strong winds especially dangerous because they can break windows and damage the roof and siding as well as knock over large objects like trees and powerlines, proper preparation is essential.
The key to protecting your investment lies in proactive maintenance and strategic storm-proofing measures. While no home can ever be completely “hurricane-proof,” there are smart steps you can take to strengthen your property and improve its chances of weathering the storm. Advance preparation and effective storm-proofing goes a long way toward preventing or minimizing damage and making your life more comfortable during recovery.
Essential Roof and Structural Maintenance
Your roof serves as your property’s primary shield against hurricane-force winds and torrential rain. The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane, and reinforcing it can help prevent leaks and damage. Maintain your roof by inspecting and repairing damaged shingles, replacing rusted nails or connections and sealing roof decks to prevent leaks.
Professional property maintenance middlesex county services emphasize the importance of regular inspections. The first step to preventing hurricane roof damage is by keeping up with regular maintenance throughout the year, which means calling a professional to come to your home and look over your roof – it will cost money getting this process done a few times a year, but you’ll save money in the long run when you don’t have to get expensive roof repairs done.
Install roof-to-wall straps or clips to help keep the roof securely attached to the walls – this can be a DIY project with minimal tools. Additionally, metal is the most hurricane-resistant roofing material, as it can protect against wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour.
Window and Door Fortification
Windows and doors are critical points of entry for wind and debris, so install DIY storm shutters made from plywood or polycarbonate panels, or use hurricane fabric, which is a more affordable and lightweight option. Protecting doors and windows against high winds and flying debris is imperative, as hurricane-force winds can hurl objects that act like bullets.
Reinforce your windows and doors with storm shutters, recaulk broken seals or add weatherstripping around windows and doors, and if you notice excessive issues with these entry points, consider if it’s time to upgrade to newer storm-resistant models.
Drainage and Water Management Systems
Proper water management is crucial for Middlesex County properties. Clear out built-up leaves and debris from the gutters periodically – clear gutters will drain faster and help prevent roof leaks, and while you’re at it, secure any loose gutters to prevent them from getting pulled off by hurricane winds.
It’s particularly important to make sure nothing blocks flowing water during a storm, because if water can’t flow down and away, it’ll be in your roof and attic – conduct a visual inspection of your gutters and downspouts to be sure nothing blocks the flow of water from your roof and away from your home.
If the basement or lower level of your property are prone to flooding, buy and install sump pumps with back-up power supplies, and if you already have a sump pump, check regularly to make sure it is functioning properly.
Landscape and Exterior Property Preparation
Prune trees and remove dead branches well before the hurricane shows up, and also remove any patio furniture and other loose items outside that can get blown around. Overhanging branches and unkempt landscaping can become dangerous projectiles during a hurricane – regularly trim trees and remove dead or overhanging branches that could fall on your home to reduce the risk of damage from falling debris.
Take loose yard objects like chairs, tables, gardening supplies, and toys and secure them in the garage or move them inside, as loose items can be picked up by strong winds and thrown against your outside AC unit.
HVAC and Utility System Protection
Schedule an HVAC professional to check the system and perform any necessary maintenance, invest in a backup generator to keep the system running in the event of an outage, and shut off the thermostat and circuit breakers for your HVAC system to prevent damage to the unit.
Savvy homeowners in areas with frequent severe weather often secure their AC condensers with storm straps attached to a concrete pad, because while your condenser may not encounter enough wind to launch it airborne, a strong wind could move the unit just enough to cause connection problems.
Emergency Preparedness and Documentation
Assemble an emergency supply kit with essentials like clean water, non-perishable food and first aid supplies, secure important items such as money, credit cards, family mementos, jewelry and vital records in waterproof containers or high places, compile a detailed home inventory for both insurance purposes and personal use, and document your belongings with photos and receipts to help streamline any insurance claims.
Get your property ready, check your insurance coverage and talk with your insurance agent about options that may help you weather the coming storms safety and cost-effectively.
Professional Maintenance Makes the Difference
While many storm-proofing tasks can be handled by property owners, professional expertise ensures comprehensive protection. The best time to prepare for storms is well before they occur, and working with experienced professionals who understand local conditions and building requirements can make all the difference.
Companies specializing in property maintenance bring years of experience and proven track records of success. They understand that staying on top of cutting edge technology, using the latest equipment and techniques to complete projects efficiently and cost-effectively, while understanding the importance of preserving the natural environment and taking great care to minimize the impact of projects is essential for long-term property protection.
The key to weathering a hurricane is preparation – by taking these steps, you’re not just protecting your property, you’re ensuring your family’s safety and peace of mind, so don’t wait for the storm warnings to start preparing, start today, and you’ll be prepared when hurricane season arrives.
Remember, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that just one inch of water in your home can cause $25,000 in property damage, making preventive maintenance a wise investment. By implementing these essential storm-proofing measures and maintaining your property year-round, you’ll significantly improve your chances of weathering whatever hurricane season brings to Middlesex County.