Protecting Your Home From Weather Damage

STORM DAMAGE PREVENTION & WEATHERPROOFING FOR SPOKANE

Essential Steps to Safeguard Your Home From Wind, Water & Fire Risk

Weather damage hits homes in Spokane and North Idaho year-round—windstorms, heavy rain, wildfire smoke and embers, ice, snow loads, and freezing temperatures. Each brings its own way of damaging your roof, siding, foundation, and interior. Protecting your home means understanding the risks and taking targeted steps to reduce them.

At ServiceMaster by Compass, we respond to storm and weather emergencies every season. This guide gives you practical, high-impact strategies to fortify your home before the next big weather event—plus clear checklists and prevention techniques you can use anytime.

COMMON TYPES OF WEATHER DAMAGE

Wind • Water • Fire — The “Big Three” Threats

Weather damage usually falls into three main categories, each with distinct effects on your home’s structure:

• Wind Damage: Uplift on roofs, torn shingles, broken windows, flying debris.
• Water Damage: Foundation seepage, basement flooding, roof leaks, runoff entry.
• Fire Damage: Wildfire embers, wind-driven ignition sources, electrical fires.

Understanding how each type of damage works helps you strengthen the most vulnerable parts of your home—your roof, foundation, windows, and landscape.

PREVENTING WIND DAMAGE

How Wind Affects Roofs, Windows & Exteriors

High winds create uplift on roof edges, pressure on windows and doors, and turn loose debris into dangerous projectiles. Weak roof connections, aging shingles, and unprotected windows are the most common failure points.

Key wind-prevention upgrades include:

• Reinforce roof-to-wall connections with hurricane clips or roof straps.
• Upgrade to wind-rated shingles or metal roofing where feasible.
• Use storm shutters or impact-resistant glass on vulnerable windows.
• Secure siding and exterior fixtures to prevent blow-off or impact hazards.

Protecting Windows, Doors & Siding

Windows and doors are entry points for pressure and debris. If a window breaks during a storm, interior pressurization can worsen structural damage dramatically.

• Install impact-rated windows or storm shutters.
• Reinforce garage doors with bracing kits.
• Fasten or replace loose siding before storm season.
• Trim trees and remove yard items that can become airborne.

PREVENTING WATER DAMAGE FROM WEATHER

Foundation, Basement & Surface Water Protection

Weather-driven water intrusion often begins outside the home—poor drainage, clogged gutters, or saturated soil pushing moisture into basements or crawlspaces.

High-impact water-prevention steps include:

• Correct yard grading so soil slopes away from the foundation.
• Extend downspouts 3–5 feet to redirect roof runoff.
• Install a sump pump with a battery backup for heavy rain or high groundwater.
• Use exterior membranes or French drains for persistent seepage areas.
• Seal foundation cracks and window wells before the wet season.

These steps dramatically reduce your risk of basement flooding and long-term foundation damage, especially during spring melt and heavy downpours.

Gutters, Downspouts & Drainage Management

Your gutter system is your home’s first line of defense against weather-driven water damage. When gutters overflow, water pools against your foundation—leading directly to seepage.

• Clean gutters at least twice a year.
• Repair sagging or disconnected downspouts promptly.
• Add splash blocks or extensions to divert water further away.
• Clear yard drains after storms to prevent flooding.

REDUCING FIRE DAMAGE RISK

Electrical & Wildfire-Related Prevention

Fire damage from storms can occur through lightning, downed power lines, or wildfire embers traveling on the wind. Reducing fire risk starts with electrical safety and smart landscape choices.

• Inspect outlets and breakers for heat, flickering lights, or repeated trips.
• Maintain defensible space by clearing dead vegetation and using fire-resistant plants near the home.
• Use Class A fire-rated roofing materials when replacing your roof.
• Install ember-resistant vents to reduce ignition risk from wind-driven embers.

STORM PREPAREDNESS

Create an Emergency Plan Before You Need One

Weather emergencies are stressful—but preparation makes them safer and easier to manage.

• Assemble a 72-hour emergency kit with food, water & first aid.
• Create a family communication plan and meeting point.
• Test generators and backup power systems seasonally.
• Document your home’s condition with photos for insurance.

Essential Emergency Supplies

Your storm-prep kit should include:

• Battery-powered flashlight & lanterns
• Backup phone chargers
• Portable generator or battery backup
• Weather radio
• Copies of insurance documents

SEASONAL WEATHER MAINTENANCE

Year-Round Home Protection Checklist

Seasonal maintenance strengthens your home’s ability to withstand storms:

Fall

• Inspect roofs and flashing
• Clean gutters and remove fallen branches
• Check attic ventilation for moisture

Spring

• Test sump pumps and drainage systems
• Look for new cracks or foundation seepage
• Clear yard debris from winter storms

Summer & Winter Prep

• Service HVAC & generators
• Check seals around windows & doors
• Prepare for extreme heat or freezing temps

And whenever you’re unsure whether damage is cosmetic or structural, a professional inspection gives clarity and peace of mind.

Whether you're preparing for storm season or recovering from one, ServiceMaster by Compass is here to help protect, restore, and strengthen your home.