How Red Oak, TX, Homeowners Can Take Steps to Prevent Property Damage From Hurricane-Force Winds

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Waxahachie / Midlothian explains how to protect Red Oak, TX, homes from storm and water damage during hurricane season.

Water damage and storm damage in Red Oak, TX, and the surrounding area are sources of stress for homeowners. The professionals at SERVPRO of Waxahachie / Midlothian regularly witness the impact of a property damage disaster on homeowners and their families. Technicians are ready 24/7 to respond rapidly and provide cleanup and restoration services in the aftermath of a tropical storm, hurricane, or other form of severe weather.

North Texas is no stranger to hurricanes, tropical storms, and other regional weather events. Local residents are often reminded by urgent weather alerts that the threat of severe weather requires property owners to take measures to protect their homes from storm damage during hurricane season.

What do weather alerts mean?

The National Weather Service defines the three types of tropical disturbances as follows:

• A tropical depression has maximum sustained surface winds of up to 38 miles per hour. At 25 mph to 31 mph, a strong breeze causes large branches to sway continuously. Near gale winds are rated at 32 to 38 mph. At this point, entire trees are in motion, and walking against winds with this sustained velocity is uncomfortable.
• A tropical storm has maximum sustained surface winds from 39 mph to 74 mph. The term “tropical storm” can lead property owners to underestimate the power of this tropical disturbance. At 39 mph to 46 mph, gale-force wind litters the ground with broken twigs and small branches. Walking is impeded and can be dangerous for people who have difficulties with balance. Strong gale winds at velocities ranging from 47 to 54 mph cause structural damage. Roofing tiles are blown off, and light residential flag poles and TV antennas may sustain damage. The ground is littered with many small twigs and broken branches. At 55 to 63 mph, whole gale winds cause substantial structural damage to roofs. Small trees may be toppled and uprooted. Storm force winds at 64 to 75 mph cause widespread damage. Larger trees are toppled, potentially damaging homes, sheds, and vehicles. Personal injury can be caused by flying debris, falling limbs, and hail traveling at high velocity.
• A hurricane has maximum sustained surface winds of 74 miles an hour and above. Hurricane-force winds cause severe and extensive property damage and put lives in danger. Entire roofs can separate from a structure and cause severe collateral damage to other homes, vehicles, and buildings. Windows shatter from debris impact and the sheer force of the wind against the panes. Trees are snapped off at the trunk or are entirely uprooted. RVs and small mobile homes are overturned and destroyed. Moving vehicles can be forced off of the roadway.

How to prepare for hurricane season

The key to being prepared for hurricane season is to take one step at a time. Otherwise, the effort may grind to a halt under the weight of everything that needs to be accomplished to prevent property damage. Begin by making the landscape hurricane-proof.

At velocities of 75 mph and above, hurricane-force winds can make dangerous missiles out of landscaping materials. Once launched by the fierce winds, these “missiles” can shatter windows and doors. The bulk of the property damage from hurricanes is caused by rain entering the structure through broken doors, windows, and openings in the roof. Upgrading the home to protect against hurricane damage is expensive, but it can be accomplished in affordable stages.

Steps to protect against property damage from a hurricane

1. Remove rock or gravel landscaping material. Airborne gravel and rocks can not only break windows, penetrate siding, and damage doors, but they can also damage vehicles. Instead, use bark mulch which is lighter and less likely to cause as much damage.
2. Hire a certified, bonded, and insured arborist to remove weak or dead branches and trees and to maintain the overall treescape. In addition to improving safety, well-manicured trees can also add as much as twenty percent to the overall value of a home and should be treated as an investment.
3. Install storm shutters to protect windows from breakage. Plywood panels cut to fit each window can be installed in advance of an oncoming storm or hurricane.
4. Reinforce exterior doors so that they are hurricane-proof. Doors should have three hinges and a deadbolt lock that is at least one inch in length.
5. Cover sliding glass doors with plywood during a storm.
6. Replace older garage doors and tracks with wind-rated and impact-rated products to protect the contents of the garage from water damage and to prevent massive structural damage to the roof from wind pressure.
7. Seal outside wall openings such as outdoor electrical outlets, vents, garden hose bibs, and other openings for pipes and cables. A high-quality urethane-based caulk is best to prevent water penetration.
8. Securely anchor boats, canoes, or kayaks so that they do not become dangerous projectiles. Review the boat insurance policy for the terms and conditions of coverage. Transporting the boat to another location may be the best solution.

Since 2000, SERVPRO of Waxahachie / Midlothian has been serving the community, and the company is locally owned. Centrally located in Ellis County and backed by a nationwide system of qualified franchises, the water damage restoration company specializes in residential, commercial, and large-scale disaster cleanup and restoration.

For more information about storm damage restoration in Red Oak, TX, contact SERVPRO of Waxahachie / Midlothian by phone at (972) 935-0827 or email acarey@SERVPRO10932.com