Identifying the Impact of Wind Damage on Your Home | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

The damage to this home came from a recent wind storm.

Many concerns come with severe storms. One of these concerns is the threat of damaging winds, which can come with no advanced warning and can cause long-term structural impacts.

An Intro to Damaging Winds

When thinking of damaging winds (winds with speeds exceeding 50–60 mph), we think of tornadoes and hurricanes, but those are not the only times when they may come into play.

You will commonly hear damaging winds referred to as “straight-line” winds, which can accompany severe thunderstorms, and cause different damage than tornado wind damage.

The damage from these winds can be especially destructive, as they too can cause objects to become projectiles. Windows and the roof often take the brunt of this damage, and if it’s extensive, it can cause water damage to the inside of the home as the outside elements come indoors.

Anyone who lives in a thunderstorm-prone area may be at risk from damaging winds. Some structures such as mobile homes, even anchored, could be seriously damaged with wind gusts over 80 mph.

Ways to Protect Your Home From Damaging Winds

There are several ways you can protect your property from damaging winds but keep the “Two R’s” in mind: reinforce and remove. Here are some suggestions:

• Have a professional reinforce your garage door.

• Remove and/or anchor loose objects on your property that could be moved or tossed by the wind.

• Have a professional remove large or dying trees and branches that could fall on your home.

As stated earlier, not all high wind circumstances come with advanced warning, but some of these action items can prepare you for the off chance your home becomes a victim of damaging winds.

Also, if you are building or renovating a home, be sure the windows, walls, and doors meet the building code requirements for your area.

If your home is ever hit by damaging winds and resulting water damage, the highly-trained specialists at SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley are here to help with the cleanup and restoration of your home.