Here in the UK we’re blessed with a mostly mild climate but in the winter months Atlantic storms can be a frequent nuisance. Conditions that range from wild and windy, icy and then unseasonably warm again can be a headache for property owners as this all encourages water ingress, cracking and damp. However there are a number of ways to safeguard your home and belongings during the worst of the weather, giving you peace of mind that all is as it should be.
Fail to prepare and prepare to fail
The first step to being storm ready is knowing that the storm is going to hit. Thankfully in the internet age, information is 24/7 so it’s very unlikely that a storm would arrive completely unannounced. Back in the days of Michael Fish (the weatherman who failed to predict the Great Storm of 1987) we had to rely on the news weather forecast and broadcasters might not be up to date with recent developments. Now with Regular Met Office Twitter updates there really is no excuse for not knowing which way the wind’s blowing. The only danger in our hyper-connected society is click bait and fake news stories where publications exaggerate stories of potential bad weather in order to interest readers.
Protect your home against storm damage
Simply walking around and assessing any particular hazards in your home is a good place to start. Does anything in your garden need to be pruned or cut back? Are there loose items which would become flying debris in the event of a storm. What about your roof? Are there any loose tiles or guttering? Garden furniture and ornaments are often the main culprits which cause smashed windows, so storing these in your garage could be good preparation. At the same time you’ll want to empty water out of any water features and hoses in case freezing weather leads to expansion and cracking. You can keep pipes in good working order during frosty conditions by having your heating come on little and often so that the water temperature doesn’t get too too low.
If you’re expecting really strong winds, stay away from the windows and put any valuables in a safe space – a sheltered area like a garage could work well. Obviously if you’re in an area which is vulnerable to flooding and storm surges are predicted, then you will want to move possessions OUT of a low lying garage to keep them safe.
Keeping your garage up to the job
Good garage doors are designed to withstand any weathers and keep the contents inside dry and sheltered. Talk to our experts about which type of garage doors are required for your needs and the type of weather you may be expecting. For instance if you live close to the coast then rust might be a factor and you will want to choose an alternative to metal garage doors, or just seal them with a hardy coating. It doesn’t hurt to keep an eye on the condition of your garage as things do change with the wear and tear of time – if you have any problems we’re always on hand to help.
Image credit -Stephen Craven / The Beast from the East hits Bramley Raynville Mount
