7 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe During Iowa Storms

Iowa residents are no strangers to major thunderstorms. As recently as 2020, residents of the Hawkeye State saw a derecho spread major destruction to public infrastructure and private homes alike. Many homeowners saw storm damage ranging from roof damage to torn siding to broken windows.

You can’t control the weather, but it is possible to take some smart, preventative steps and keep your home safe during Iowa’s biggest storms. Let’s take a deep dive and explore what exactly you can do to minimize damage this summer.

1. Repair or replace loose/damaged siding & shingles

Take a walk around your home while the weather is sunny and calm to check for any damaged, loose, or broken-off siding panels. Note where the storm damage is – you’ll want to replace those siding panels with new, durable ones ASAP. Everlast offers advanced composite siding that could be ideal for homes like yours.

Do the same thing with your roof. Break out the ladder and carefully climb to the top. Check your roof for signs of wear and tear, like large sections of missing shingles or roof panels. Those are prime locations for future leaks and roof damage, so it’s a good idea to call in some experts to repair your roof before the next storm hits.

2. Clean the gutters

While you’re still on the roof, scan your Mason City home’s gutters. If they’re clogged full of debris, like fallen leaves, twigs, dirt, or bird nests, clean them out. Clogged gutters can become too heavy or loose during major storms. If you’re unlucky, those gutters can fall off the roof of your home, causing major damage to the rest of the house or falling on your car.

3. Seal your windows or replace old, drafty windows

Your home will be much more vulnerable to Iowa storm damage if heavy winds are allowed to gust around indoors. Strong winds can sneak in through small window cracks, throwing open the windows and shattering their glass panes.

If you notice a draft in your house, track it down and seal up cracks in your windows with a caulking gun or weatherstripping. Alternatively, invest in brand-new, durable windows that can withstand storm-level winds and hail. That might be a smarter choice to increase the value of your home and protect it against storm damage at the same time!

4. Install a replacement storm door

Storm doors are excellent investments for every Mason City homeowner. Not only will replacement storm doors protect your front door against the worst that an Iowa thunderstorm can throw at it, but they’ll also increase curb appeal and give your house some extra practical value. Aluminum storm doors are excellent representations of the durability and security these doors can bring.

With the right storm door, you can open your entryway to the world outside and let in more natural light without leaving your home exposed to the elements. Or you can install a retractable screen storm door and enjoy fresh air all summer long while being ready for fierce thunderstorms at a moment’s notice.

5. Check your sump pump

If you have a basement, double-check your sump pump. The sump pump will move water from inside the basement to the outside of your house, preventing flooding. Every sump pump uses a switch to detect water levels accurately – make sure the switch is functioning properly before Iowa's skies start to dump water on your property and your sump pump has to get to work.

6. Trim nearby trees

Your property might have several trees in the front and backyard. While they can provide shade during the hot summer days, those long branches can also be hazardous to your home’s windows, your car, and your family.

Trim any long tree branches that extend over or too close to your house, especially those that touch your siding or windows. If the branches are too high for you to get safely, hire an arborist to tackle this crucial work for you.

7. Secure loose things around the yard

By the same token, pick up and store any loose things around your yard, like toys, gardening tools, and more. The loose items in your yard can turn into hazardous debris when storm-level winds start whipping around. Put everything in the garage or, if you don’t have enough room, cover loose objects with tied-down tarps to keep them secure.

Bonus tip: stay informed!

One last way to prevent storm damage to your Iowa home is to simply know when a major storm is on the horizon. Unless you're skilled at reading the clouds, you'll be better off paying attention to the weather channel and heeding any government warnings about incoming thunderstorms and hail.

As storm season approaches, it might be a good idea to contact a homeowners insurance company to cover your home. Even the best preventative measures can’t always stop storms from tearing up shingles or siding panels.

When it comes time to batten down the proverbial hatches, you’ll want to know your windows are tough and sturdy enough to withstand storm winds. At Window World Mason City, you’ll find the right replacement windows and storm doors for your needs, plus be able to ask our experts any questions you might have. Contact us today.