A Complete Guide to Preparing for Storm Season in Bryan-College Station, Texas: How Storms Can Cause Water Damage to Homes
Storm Season in Bryan-College Station, TX
Storm season in the Brazos Valley is here, typically rolling into the area in March with the brunt of the season ending in June. The full storm season in Bryan-College Station, Texas spans roughly spring through fall. But, for any resident in the area, we know how unpredictable and extreme the weather can be, bringing about a range of weather events. The most common types of storms in this region include thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. College Station has a severe Wind Factor™, having the high likelihood of high winds from serious storms. College Station also includes several creeks that are prone to flooding during storm events. While we love to live and serve here in Aggieland, we want to be prepared and help our neighbors prepare for storm season so you can get back to enjoying the best of this area. Here’s an overview of the local weather and impact of the storms.
Thunderstorms
These weather events, while maybe calming and interesting to some people, typically bring a lot of rain and lightning. The abundance of rain increases the likelihood of flooding. Lightning strikes are a real threat to homes, people, and property.
Hurricane Weather
The hurricanes that form during this season can bring in a host of severe conditions including high wind gusts, prolonged rain and flooding, and increased risk of tornadoes. Even if a hurricane downgrades to a tropical storm, these weather events continue to bring in storm conditions like heavy rain and high winds.
Tornadoes
Storm season in the Brazos Valley often also includes a high risk of tornadoes. These severe weather events can bring devastation to an area in a short amount of time including wind and structural damage.
Storms are particularly dangerous for homes as every weather condition can cause serious damage to your home. The weather is often unpredictable, catching homeowners unprepared and can cause immediate and long-term damage.
How Storms Cause Water Damage to Homes
We’ve outlined the unique weather patterns of Bryan-College Station, TX and the weather conditions they bring. Here’s how these storms can cause damage to your home. Once you’re aware of the potential danger, you can better prepare!
Wind Damage
As a severe Wind Factor region, College Station is at risk of high wind gusts from a number of storm events. High winds from storms can tear off roof shingles, break windows, damage exterior walls, and damage the structural integrity of your home.
Not only is your home susceptible to the physical damage of objects protruding walls and windows, it’s also vulnerable to spots opening in your home where water can enter. From a weakened or exposed roof, to areas in your foundation being opened, or siding being removed, these openings can allow water to enter your home and, in just a short amount of time, cause a significant amount of damage.
Hail Damage
Another weather event common in this area is hail. These icy darts are infamous for causing damage to roofs, breaking down or tearing off shingles and other roof structures. Hail can also break windows and damage walls. Again, these examples of damage can allow water to make its way into your home, often unknowingly and inconspicuously.
Flooding
The common storms that occur in this area during storm season often bring a risk of flooding. It’s no surprise that flooding is dangerous to your home, but you may not be aware of all of the ways it can harm your property. Heavy and prolonged rains can lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas. The standing water accumulation around your home can cause foundational issues. Also, flooding can back up drains and sewers, contributing to flooding inside of your home. The rising water can impact electrical systems, causing house fires which can also lead to water damage, after water is used to put out house fires. Finally, the flooding can affect your home’s structural integrity, causing your home to shift and openings to occur, allowing water to enter into your home.
How to Prepare Your Home for Storm Season
Now that you understand the types of storms this season brings and how they can damage your home, you are better convinced of the necessity of preparing your home for storm season.
Inspect and Maintain Your Roof
It’s important to have your roof inspected before storm season or definitely before a storm is set to approach. Check for loose shingles or damaged roofing materials. Have any damaged areas repaired or replaced before a negative weather event approaches. Clean your gutters and downspouts to make sure they allow proper drainage – keeping rain off of your home, and out of your house!
Secure Windows and Doors
For larger storms and high-risk areas, install storm shutters or plywood so you are prepared for hurricanes and large storms. Check door and window seals to make sure they are intact, decreasing the risk of water finding its way into your home. Even small leaks can cause a lot of damage to your home.
Check Your Foundation
We know how often the ground shifts here in Texas. Checking your foundation regularly, and especially before storm season, means you can catch issues before they get too big. If you find cracks in your foundation, seal them prior to storms approaching. As rain falls and flooding occurs, even the smallest cracks can allow a lot of water to make its way into your home, often unnoticed.
Check the Drainage Around Your Property
Make sure your yard is properly graded, with a slope that will move water away from your home. Move anything away from your foundation that may allow or promote water to pool around your home.
Create an Emergency Kit
Bad weather can roll into the Brazos Valley quickly so having an emergency storm kit is essential. It’s Texas 101. Prepare a bin with essential supplies including flashlights, batteries, water, first aid kit, hand-cranked radio, local maps, and more. You can check out FEMA for more information on preparing your emergency kit. Also, ensure important documents are stored in a safe, waterproof place.
Develop a Family Evacuation Plan
Study the local evacuation routes and shelter locations and get familiar with the directions to these locations. In case you’re not able to use your phone or computers to give directions, it’s important to know multiple routes to the shelters and to evacuation points. Develop an evacuation plan with your family, practicing the steps so you and your family are fully prepared.
A few quick steps now can save a lot of time, hassle, and damage during storm season here in Bryan-College Station, Texas.
Identifying and Handling Water Damage After a Storm
After you’ve become familiar with the storms that are likely to occur in this area during storm season, the damage they can cause to your property, and how to prepare for this volatile weather, it’s time to learn how to identify water damage after a storm and what to do. Water damage to your home can be sneaky and deceptive. But, if you know what to look for, you can find clues and help to prevent further damage to your home. Here’s what to look for.
Common Signs of Water Damage
- Wet or damp spots on walls, ceilings or floors
- Musty odors that indicate mold or mildew growth
- Discolored walls, ceilings, or carpets from water stains
- A feeling like water is trapped under your flooring when you walk on it
- Warped or bubbling paint
- Water streaks or drips
- Wet or damp carpet or rugs
- Warped wood or buckling floors
- Cracked or bowing walls
- Foundational issues
- Condensation or moisture in HVAC ducts
- Excessive humidity
- Visible mold
- Discoloration of surfaces from mold
What To Do Immediately After Storm Damage
- Turn off the electricity in your home if flooding is significant
- Move furniture and valuables to higher ground
- Document the damage for insurance purposes
- Call Rainbow Restoration right away
How We Can Help
Rainbow Restoration will come to your home to provide a thorough assessment of any damage. Using special tools, we are able to find water damage that is hidden behind walls and under flooring. These tools also help us detect water damage even when surfaces feel dry. We will professionally extract and dry your property to proper moisture levels. We also properly identify and remove mold, preventing further growth safely and effectively. Finally, we repair your home with construction services. During the event of water damage restoration, we may need to remove sections of your home that have been damaged beyond repair including drywall, carpet, ceiling, and flooring. We can replace and rebuild your home, ensuring it’s structurally sound and completed correctly.
Preventing Water Damage in Bryan-College Station, TX
Storm season can be an unpredictable and devastating time for homeowners in the Brazos Valley. We are here to prepare your home as much as possible to prevent water damage and keep your family and home safe. With a few proactive steps, you can greatly decrease the chances of water damage and help keep your home and family prepared for storm season. But, if you do experience water damage, call our team right away to prevent further devastation to your home. We offer full-scope services, from planning and prevention to construction. Your home is safe with Rainbow Restoration.