Protect Your Home and Family This Storm Season

As devastating and deadly tornadoes and damaging storms continue to hit states all over the South and Midwest, including Arkansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, it’s difficult for those of us in Kansas not to start thinking about the dangers of damaging storms to our own homes, lives, and property. After all, Kansas is famous for tornadoes. Situated right in the midst of tornado alley, according to the National Climatic Data Center, we’re second only to Texas in the number of tornadoes that occur on average each year.

Looking through the news coverage of the devastation caused by tornadoes all over the U.S., it’s obvious that there’s not much you can do if your home is in the direct path of a tornado. But tornadoes are far from the only storm-related peril that faces Kansas homeowners. The kinds of fierce thunderstorms that bring tornadoes and tend to define spring in Kansas can also create damaging winds and hail. In fact, in addition to being in tornado alley, Kansas City is also located right in the midst of “hail alley,” a strip of land that receives more hail per year than any other part of the country. So much more that the Storm Prediction Center says that hail reports in the central United States exceed those of any other area by a factor of 10!

Hail can do a lot of damage to homes and property. A falling hailstone can hit a house or car at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, and every year hail accounts for over $1 billion in property losses across the U.S.

Spring storms can also bring with them damaging wind gusts in excess of 50 miles per hour, which can do a lot of damage to shingles and even siding. All this damage is compounded by the existence of “storm chasers,” shady contractors who follow severe weather patterns and offer cheap home repairs on short notice, then move on before the poor quality of their work can be detected and revealed.

While there may not be a lot that a homeowner can do to protect against the dangers of a tornado, the damaging winds, hail, and torrential rains that come with severe thunderstorms are something that you can protect against. With good guttering and the right siding, your home can become a fortress, almost impervious to all but the very worst of bad weather, without sacrificing beauty or comfort. Continental Siding offers seamless polymer siding in Kansas that’s attractive, customizable, and energy-efficient, while also being impact resistant and tough enough to make it virtually immune to damaging hail. And while you’re getting your new siding, Continental Siding can also make sure that your gutters, doors, and windows are all up to snuff to keep your home and family safe this storm season.

This article was brought to you by Continental Siding in Kansas City, your Midwest siding company. We’re a leading provider of home improvement products and services that aim to help them keep homes looking great and performing well.