Protecting Your Home Against Storm Damage in Georgia

Cyber School Supply employee Christopher Rodriguez installs wood panels on windows in preparation in preparation for Hurricane Irma, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Irma grew into a dangerous Category 5 storm, the most powerful seen in the Atlantic in over a decade, and roared toward islands in the northeast Caribbean Tuesday.

In light of Hurricane Irma traveling up the Atlantic coast this weekend, we wanted to share some helpful information about storm damage. Living in Eastern Georgia, we’re used to being impacted by both tornados and the outskirts of hurricanes. This weekend, it‘s predicted that we are going to be right at the edge of the Hurricane Irma's tendrils, meaning we’ll likely see high winds. High winds can cause considerable storm damage to homes by ripping off shingles, siding and doors (regardless of the age of your home).

How to Prepare

When you know a big storm is coming, it’s wise to inspect your roof, windows and doors beforehand. Repair or replace any loose, damaged or missing shingles, and check the attic for swollen wood or moisture that could indicate a leak in the roof. Make sure the caulking on your windows and doorjambs is in good condition.

When wind blows shingles from your roof, it makes your home vulnerable to rain, creating the need for emergency roof repair. Any tree limbs wider than 6” in diameter hanging over your house or a neighbor’s house should be cut down.

Track down any loose patio furniture, garden umbrellas, grills or lawn ornaments that could blow around in high winds, and secure them before a storm. You don’t want a baseball or a bird feeder to become a projectile through your window during a storm.

If power outages are predicted, be sure to stock up on flashlight batteries, water and canned food. For other great tips like what to do if the power goes out while you’re cooking, read this Popular Mechanics article.

Seek Shelter

Once your house is secure, the safest thing you can do when a storm gets really bad is to seek shelter. Underground is best (unless your home is in under a flash flood warning), but if you can’t go underground: Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area in the home (an interior room, a closet or bathroom on the lower level). If flooding threatens your home, turn off electricity at the main breaker.

In a one-story home, the strongest room is often a bathroom or walk-in closet near the center of the house. The strongest wall in a two-story home is often near the stairwell. A first-floor closet nearby may be the safest spot.

Storm Damage

After the storm, if shingles have fallen off of your roof, please contact your homeowner’s insurance. Wind and water damage is not covered under a Builder Warranty from a storm, because the Builder Warranty only covers builder defects. It does not cover acts of nature. Even within the first year of your new home being built, your first phone call for storm damage to your home should be your home insurance agent.

Hopefully, the storm will pass right by us this weekend and we'll only see some heavy rain.

First Choice Home Builders is a local homebuilder in the Columbia County, Fort Gordon, and Greater Augusta, GA area specializing in custom homes, move-in ready homes, and build-on-your-lot homes. Currently the company is building homes in the Riverwood Plantation, Stallings Ridge, and Rhodes Farm Master Planned Communities. To see our current inventory, click here. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Houzz to see current projects.