Anderson Painting | How to Protect Your Deck, Fence, Siding, and Trim From Storm Damage in North Carolina
North Carolina boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in the U.S., as well as a great climate. Unfortunately, NC also sees its fair share of severe weather, including destructive storms. For homeowners in places like Raleigh and Wilmington, this often means damage to their homes’ exterior. Decks, fences, siding, and trim are particularly vulnerable in high winds, hail, and rain.
If you want to protect your home from storm damage in North Carolina, you must take proactive steps. This includes understanding the storm threats unique to your area and combating them with several strategies.
Weather Threats in North Carolina
North Carolina has a diverse geography, which in itself exposes the state to severe weather. Coastal areas, where protection is limited, often experience hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall. Wilmington, for example, is prone to storm surges. Inland, in places like Raleigh, homeowners have to contend with strong winds, flash flooding, and hail.
Winter storms in NC bring additional challenges, as ice and snow add weight and stress to decks, fences, roofs, siding, and trim. To protect these areas of your home, you must follow specific steps for each one.
Protecting a Deck From Storm Damage
Decks are exposed to severe weather, making them a target for high winds and rain. Strong gales can lift the boards, while thunderstorms can result in water damage and rot.
Preparing for a Storm
You can take several measures to protect your deck and your home before and during storms:
Clear your deck by removing furniture, planters, grills, and other items that may become projectiles in high winds.
Regularly inspect your deck for loose boards, railings, and steps. Replace rotten wood and fasten anything loose. A well-maintained deck is more storm-resistant. Do you have storm damage deck repair needs from previous storms? Let a professional assess and fix the damage as soon as possible.
Trim nearby trees to prevent them from falling onto your deck in a storm.
Apply a high-quality sealant or stain to protect against moisture damage.
Strengthening Your Fence
Your fence protects your yard, but it can become vulnerable in a storm. When it comes to your property’s fence, storm damage may include snapped posts, detached panels, and flying debris. Before a storm hits:
Inspect your fence regularly, checking for loose posts and rotting wood. Tighten any loose screws and replace weak sections.
If you have a wooden fence, add extra brackets or concrete to secure the posts.
Remove any items leaning against your fence, as they could cause damage in a storm.
Add extra braces to gate fences.
Trim away overhanging trees and shrubs.
Always check your fence after a storm. Look for leaning posts or detached sections. For storm-damaged fence repair and fence installation, call a professional to ensure your reinforced or new fence holds up well to future storms.
Safeguarding Your Siding
Your home’s siding helps protect the entire structure from the elements. Siding damage from storm events can result in several issues. These include mold growth, water damage, and compromised insulation. Key steps to take to protect your siding from storms include:
Maintaining your home’s gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can lead to overflow, causing damage to siding. Downspouts should direct water away from your home’s foundation.
Checking siding regularly for cracks, loose panels, and warping. Wood siding may peel its paint or begin to rot, in which case it should be repaired or replaced promptly.
Sealing gaps and cracks around windows and doors. This helps prevent water from getting behind the siding.
Trimming away all greenery and trees back from your home.
Even if you notice only small damage after a storm, your siding should be repaired or replaced immediately. A professional can help assess the damage and advise how to protect your home’s structural integrity.
Protecting the Trim
Never neglect your home’s trim when implementing storm measures. Exterior trim protects the structure against water intrusion and pests. When the trim is compromised, so is your home. Remember:
Trim should always be properly sealed and painted. A good paint can double as a barrier against moisture.
Inspect trim for rot, insect damage, and cracks. Any vulnerable sections must be repaired or replaced.
Ensure that all trim pieces are securely fastened.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
DIY efforts can go a long way in protecting your deck, fence, siding, and trim. However, if you want to protect your home over the long term, a reputable contractor is the best way to go about it.
The Anderson Painting team is highly familiar with the NC climate, including the variations in areas like Raleigh and Wilmington. Before storms hit, let Anderson Painting protect your home with years of experience and expert services.
Anderson Painting specializes in storm damage protection and repair for decks, fences, siding, and trim. Get your free estimate today and let us help you protect your investment.
