By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
June 8, 2011 in Property Management, Building Trends, Custom Building, General
The recent tornados that ravaged central and western Massachusetts are a stark reminder that Mother Nature is often unpredictable and extreme. Although there may be little one can do to stop the destructive power of a highly rated EF tornado, there are some common sense ways to prepare your home for the upcoming summer storms.
In our spring issue of the Master Builder Advisor we wrote about ways to safeguard your home against weather damage all year round – from water damage to lightning strikes. Late spring and hot summer months usher in the season of thunderstorms and hurricanes. Here are a few ways to protect your property before these storms hit.
- Stow away lawn furniture, umbrellas and other outdoor items that can be easily blown away during high winds.
- Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed by removing dead, damaged or diseased limbs. Strong winds can hurl landscaping debris at great speed causing significant damage.
- Install a whole-house surge suppressor device to protect sensitive electronic equipment and appliances. Electrical surges and fires can be caused by lightning hits to either the house or nearby ground strikes.
- Install a whole-house lightning protection system. These systems divert powerful electrical charges safely from rods installed along the roof ridge through heavy duty cables into the ground leaving the home unharmed.
- Consider installing permanent storm shutters to cover windows and glass doors. Shutters can be closed quickly and provide the safest protection, especially to coastal homes prone to high hurricane winds.
- Flash flooding is often a result of severe thunderstorms and hurricanes. Make sure drainage systems are clear of debris, slope the ground away from the house and make sure sump pumps are working properly.
While no one can control nature and the destructive forces of extreme weather, a few steps of precaution can help protect your home, family and possessions from the devastating effects of unexpected disasters.
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By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
March 10, 2011 in Property Management, Building Trends, Custom Building, General
It happens every year. Just when we think winter will never end, spring suddenly arrives with a gush of warm weather, melting snow and heavy seasonal rains. With this change of season usually comes water – and lots of it!
This year, in addition to the semi-annual changing of the clocks and replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, why not start a new tradition?
Every year when daylight savings time begins, schedule a thorough inspection and cleaning of your basement sump pump. A little prevention can go a long way to protect your home from unexpected emergencies caused by preventable water damage!
Daylight savings begins March 13
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