4 Things You Can Do Now To Minimize Property Damage During Storm Season
Here we are…again… bracing for a summer storm. Weather forecasters predict twice as many named storms in the 2020 hurricane season as usual. We know these storms are coming, but are often still caught off guard. Fortunately, there are preventative measures that you can take to minimize your exposure and damage.
Over our 14 years of proactively caring for Manhattan homes, we’ve seen it all. Here we share a few simple things you can do that will dramatically increase your chances of avoiding the most common storm damages.
Water, water everywhere
Forty percent of homeowners will suffer from water damage, whether it’s due to a storm or some other plumbing catastrophe. It is also the area in which most claims are rejected by insurers. To have a better chance of avoiding water damage, especially during severe storms, here are the top places to keep an eye on.
Check Your Sump Pump. Dump about a gallon of water at least once a month up to the fill line to make sure that the sump pump is working. The sump pump also needs to be cleaned if it’s slightly older. And, we say this only because we see it a lot, don’t forget to make sure it’s plugged in.
Take a Look Around Your Basement. Check for signs of previous water penetration or pools of water. If you see signs of water, it might be seeping through cracks in the foundation, which can lead to mold and mildew, which means costly repairs. We’ve seen many backups in New York from the sewage system, so make that extra trip downstairs during a storm.
Check Your Drains. In order to avoid many water-related problems, check your water drainage regularly to make sure that the water is going down smoothly.
Ask Alarm Company to Install Water Sensors (Water Bugs). We install water bugs in most of our clients’ homes. This is a water sensor tied into your alarm system that will detect leaks and alert you if there is a leak. This is invaluable, especially if you have a leak when you’re away from home.
Have a Water Vaccum on Hand. Another must-have device. They’re handy in case you do get water in your basement.
Drain, Drain Go Away
We can’t overestimate how important it is to keep gutters, scuppers, and downspouts clear of debris, securely attached and protected. If your gutters are full of leaves, water will overflow, causing exterior and interior damage. And if they’re not covered, you’re allowing more debris into the gutter than it most likely can handle. Further, If they’re not properly attached or you have pointing issues, water can seep into your home.
You also need to make sure that there’s proper drainage away from the house. Otherwise, water will flow towards instead of away from your foundation.
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
During storm season, we can’t help but think of the scene in the “Wizard of Oz” where Aunt Em and a cow are seen flying outside the window. The last thing you want is a re-enactment of this episode during a tropical storm or hurricane. If we once again experience high winds, your beautiful umbrella becomes a missile. We’ve seen too many homes with broken windows or damaged siding due to flying outdoor furniture. When a storm is coming, bring in any furniture that’s likely to be blown around and clear the area of smaller clutter, like planters, privacy walls or other decor.
Turn Off, Tune Out
There have been more power outages in the city than usual. This can lead to a dangerous power surge or loss of electricity. Newer appliances and major electronic equipment are much more sensitive to a power outage because of their reliance on sensitive circuit boards. We strongly advise that you invest in surge protectors and potentially a back up electrical supply. Many companies are making these now, lowering prices.
By doing regular proactive maintenance of your home, you can avoid costly damage and reduce your stress levels during this summer’s storms. We’re here to help if you own a townhome, condo or brownstone in Manhattan. Here’s to a safe summer!
Gary Mindlin is co-founder and owner of Top Hat Home Services, a full-service property care and management company. Top Hat services homes in Manhattan and are known as experts in every aspect of building management, maintenance and repair, as well as renovation and construction supervision.