How to Prepare Your Property for Spring Storms
Spring may bring blooming flowers and warmer days, but it also brings fast‑moving storms that can put your property to the test. High winds and heavy rains can arrive quickly during this season, and you’ll want to be ready before that rough weather moves in.
We have put together this guide to walk you through some simple ways you can strengthen your home so it’s prepared for whatever spring decides to deliver. You’ll learn how to protect your home from storm damage with practical steps that help your property withstand every gust of wind and heavy downpour.
What Makes Spring Storms a Threat to My Property?
Springtime in Wisconsin is the time of year when seasonal weather activity can put your house at risk of serious damage. Spring storms can shift from calm to severe in minutes, and there are more natural forces to watch out for besides just rain. When you understand how these forces give spring storms their strength and why they pose such a threat to your home, you’ll be able to prepare better and protect your property long before the first warning appears. The severe weather elements you should be ready for include:
Heavy Rain and Flooding
Heavy rain falling on melting snow creates a massive amount of runoff that could overwhelm your gutters and downspouts. If your drainage systems aren’t ready to handle this, water will seep into weakened entry points in your foundation or flood your basement. And if you have an old or malfunctioning sump pump, it’ll increase the risk of water rising into the lower levels of your home.
Strong, Destructive Winds
Thunderstorms produce powerful winds that can exceed 58 mph and tear through residential neighborhoods. These strong gusts can send siding flying across your yard and rip away roof shingles across a wide area. You also face threats from falling tree limbs that can crash through your windows, topple power lines, or crush your vehicle.
The Threat of Hail
Large hailstones represent about one-third of all severe weather events across the state. These icy stones can reach sizes over five inches and strike with enough force to dent metal siding, crack shingles and roof tiles, break skylights, and damage outdoor HVAC units. Hailstorms increase the risk of roof leaks, loose flashing, and punctured siding. Even smaller hail can weaken your structural materials over time, leaving your home more exposed during later storms.
Tornadoes
The risk for dangerous twisters increases significantly during May and June as warm air moves into the local region. These systems possess enough power to cause total destruction to your home in a matter of seconds. Even if a tornado doesn’t touch down near your home, the strong rotational winds can still cause severe structural damage.
How Do I Inspect and Secure the Exterior of My Home?
You can take several proactive measures right now to shield your property from those springtime elements. Follow these practical steps to harden your residence against the upcoming seasonal weather shifts.
Manage Heavy Rainfall
Clear out all twigs and grit from your gutters to stop water from backing up under your shingles. Direct your downspouts away from the foundation and add splash blocks or underground pipes to move moisture further out. You should also look into a specific flood policy, since standard plans often exclude this coverage, which is a vital part of how to protect your roof from storm damage.
Mitigate Strong Winds
We mentioned falling branches and tree limbs, so you may be wondering how to prepare trees for spring storms. Start by trimming any heavy limbs or foliage hanging near your siding and fence to prevent impact during a gale. You should remove any dead wood that might snap and strike your windows. Move patio chairs and kids’ toys inside a shed or garage so they don’t become flying projectiles that could dent your vehicles.
Minimize the Impact of Hail
Move your cars into a covered carport or garage to keep the paint and glass safe from icy stones. You can also use thick blankets to cushion the windows if you don’t have a covered parking area for your vehicle. Close your interior blinds and drapes during a storm to stop shards of glass from flying into your living space if a window happens to break from the falling ice.
What Steps Can I Take to Strengthen My Home Against Storm Damage?
Proactive maintenance is your first line of defense against the unpredictable nature of spring weather. Implementing these specific upgrades allows you to reinforce your property and keep your household safe before the first dark clouds appear:
- Have Your Roof Inspected – Professional roofers can spot loose shingles or weakened structural areas that might fail during a heavy downpour. Scheduling a professional assessment is one of the best ways to protect your roof from storm damage without risking your personal safety on a tall ladder.
- Install Surge Protection – Lightning strikes can ruin expensive electronics and appliances in a single second. You should verify that your internal surge protectors function correctly and check any external grounding wires for signs of wear. A whole-house lightning protection system will add an extra layer of security for your electrical grid during a severe thunderstorm.
- Check Water Systems – If your home has a sump pump and grinder station, test it to confirm the system drains water away from your foundation correctly. Adding a battery backup allows the pump to run even if the neighborhood loses power during a deluge. A standby generator offers even more reliability by keeping your systems running in a prolonged utility outage.
- Organize Your Living Space – Spring cleaning makes it much easier to find emergency supplies and move quickly through your home during a crisis. Use this time to document your belongings for insurance purposes while clearing clutter from exits. Knowing exactly where you stored your flashlights and batteries saves precious time when the lights go out.
- Finalize a Family Emergency Plan – Sit down with your family to establish clear communication rules and specific evacuation routes. Everyone should know exactly where to meet and who to call if a storm forces you to leave your property. Practicing these procedures ahead of time helps everyone stay calm and focused when a real emergency occurs.
Why Should You Hire the Pros to Help Prepare Your Property?
Spring storms can push the limits of any home, and partnering with a trusted restoration team will make your preparation stronger. Our specialists here at Kelmann Restoration have helped homeowners in Southeastern Wisconsin and beyond protect and rebuild their properties since 1973, and we know the importance of storm damage protection when the spring weather turns severe. Our specialists can inspect vulnerable areas, strengthen weak points, and recommend smart upgrades to safeguard your home.
Contact our team today to schedule your consultation and get your property ready for the season ahead.