4 home improvement tips that can help you survive spring storms

Spring storms are here, and Mother Nature’s wicked rages can take a toll on your home.

Take the steps now to prepare your house and yard so that it will stand up to the extreme weather that spring can sometimes bring.

Before you begin, look over your insurance policies to make sure you’re covered for losses incurred as the result of a natural disaster or brutal storm.

Damage caused by flooding, earthquakes and hurricanes is generally not covered by your regular homeowner’s policy but can be purchased separately.

Sealing doors and windows may require special hardware

Try to prevent wind and water from entering through windows, cracks, entry doors and garage doors. Especially in hurricane- or tornado-prone areas it is important to seal your windows and doors as tightly as possible.

High winds can easily tear through double doors, French doors and sliding patio doors that have no structural device between them. You may need to purchase and install special hardware to more adequately secure the doors where they meet. Try bolts that fasten the door into the framing at the top and the bottom.

Double check roof, chimney and vent pipes

Your home’s roof can shield its interior from the storm outside, so it is an essential step in preparing your house to withstand a severe storm. Apply sealing around your chimney or vent pipes to help prevent water from seeping into your home. Hire a contractor to check for the structural integrity of the roof system.

Clean out gutters, downspouts

Clean out clogged gutters and downspouts. If the rain that accompanies a heavy storm can’t run through the gutters and downspouts, it will spill over the sides, landing in areas where it can soak through to your home’s foundation, causing flooding and structural damage.

Remove dead, dying limbs

Outside, protect your home from objects that can take flight during a storm. Remove all dead and dying limbs from your trees, and secure lawn furniture, trashcans, flowerpots and other yard ornaments. High-speed winds could transform any of these objects into flying missiles traveling toward your house. Tie down the larger items such as sheds, doghouses, playhouses, swing sets, and boats.

When you and your house are prepared, you’re more likely to weather the toughest storm with less property damage. Taking time now to prepare your home for storm season could save you a lot of money later.

Javan Yoder is 2025 president of the Building Industry Association of Stark & East Central Ohio.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Protect your home ahead of severe weather with these easy tips