If you live in Virginia or anywhere else on the East Coast, you know that storms can occur during nearly every period of the year, including summer. Even during the warm weather months, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning can all cause storm damage to a home’s exterior or interior in extreme cases. According to WeatherBug, a brand of data company GroundTruth, Virginia was the state with the 10th-highest number of severe thunderstorms between March 1 and June 17, 2013. There were 232 storms in the Old Dominion State during that period.

In fact, thunderstorms have been occurring in Virginia for decades. According to weather and science data organization Current Results, between 1961 and 1990, there were 21 summer thunderstorms in Richmond, Virginia, 20 thunderstorms in Virginia Beach, and 18 storms in Washington, D.C.

It can be significantly beneficial to begin preparing for summer storms before the season actually begins (e.g. in May). Of course, it’s important to remember not just to inspect and protect the main indoor and outdoor structures of your home (doors, windows, gutters, etc.), but also the area surrounding your abode, including trees. This may seem like a dull task, but you will ultimately be thankful you did it.

Let’s take a look at four primary ways you can protect your home from storm damage this summer.

Gutters can easily accumulate water, leaves, and debris due to a storm. In order to keep water off the roof of your home, unclog the downspout elbows. This will help ensure your basement remains dry. Be sure to also carefully verify that rainwater can’t seep in through your roof due to holes in shingles. It is especially important to do this because mold and mildew, which create severe health issues, can often be a consequence of leaking roofs. According to HomeAdvisor, you may need to replace your roof if it is approaching the 15-20-years of age mark in order to more securely protect yourself in the event of a thunderstorm.

It’s always imperative to know how to start your generator in the event of a power outage caused by a storm. As a rule of thumb, a generator should be set up a few feet away (e.g., 5 to 10 feet) from flammable objects, windows, doors, and vents. However, you should also ensure that you can get to the generator quickly and safely during an emergency. If you need help with the process of wiring and installing a generator, reach out to a licensed electrician.

Take particular note of large trees that surround your home and trim them as much as possible. Branches should never come into contact with your house or power lines. If they do, a storm could easily cause the branches to sway and damage your home.

Unforeseen accidents can still occur even when all safety measures are taken. Therefore, it’s essential to fully understand exactly what your insurance policy covers and what it doesn’t. Liability insurance and umbrella insurance, for instance, are not the same thing. Insurance terminology can often be difficult to understand if you don’t work in the industry, so don’t hesitate to ask for clarification from a professional.

Another precaution you can take to prepare for a thunderstorm is to secure all outdoor objects that strong winds could blow away or hurl towards your home (and thus damage it). You can also unplug all electronics in your home if you know a storm is imminent to avoid a short-circuit or power outage, and assemble an emergency kit to take care of your house and your family.

Speak to the experts at Monumental Contractors in Chantilly, Virginia to learn more about the most effective ways to prepare for a summer thunderstorm and protect your home from storm damage. We are a family-owned-and-operated contracting company that is dedicated to serving the DC Metro Area. In everything we do, we strive to uphold our core values of integrity, quality, accountability, and respect.

At Monumental Contractors, we know that homes in the greater DC area can be damaged by storms that bring rain, wind, hail, and lightning, so we are committed to ensuring that your home is properly protected against these types of natural events. Our storm damage services, which can be performed efficiently, include window board-ups, roof tarping, debris hauling, structural repairs, water damage renovation, and siding damage renovation.

Call Monumental Contractors today at (703) 552-9626 or contact us online for more information about our services or to book an appointment with one of our qualified contractors. We are licensed, bonded, insured, and are approved to work with insurance claims.