Anyone who has seen a September forecast knows how quickly conditions can change on the coast. If you've purchased a home through our real estate agents this year, or you've been a landowner along the Grand Strand for years, taking a walk through your property in late summer is always a good idea before the tropics start to kick into gear. 

Coastal Storm Preparedness: Re-Check Your Home Before Fall Arrives

Most homes on the coast have endured years of salt air and solar exposure before a single storm makes landfall, and the damage is rarely easy to spot until the wind and rain arrive. A walk around the house now beats discovering the damage after a storm. 

Roof and Exterior Inspection

Shingles that appeared fine in late June may only have months of additional wear and tear left, so consider grabbing a pair of binoculars before heading up to look at the edges for any lifting or bare spots that could let water get under the roofing material. 

Look for:

• Loose, cracked, or missing shingles along eaves and valleys.
• Rusted or absent flashing around chimneys, skylights, or plumbing vents.
• Anything blocking the flow of gutters and downspouts. 

Drainage Around the Property

Proper drainage is much more important than you might initially think, especially if you live in Carolina Forest, near the marsh in Murrells Inlet, or on a lower-lying parcel near the Intracoastal Waterway (areas like Little River). Ask anyone who has had a flooded yard, and they'll tell you it's rarely about how much rain fell, but rather where that water ends up going. Drainage issues stay nearly invisible until the ground is already soaked. 

Check for:

• Slopes that carry water away from the house on all sides.
• Debris in yard drains, swales, and culverts.
• Downspout extensions blocked, disconnected, or too short to carry water past the foundation. 

Windows, Doors, and Storm Protection

Storm shutters that were last used in October may not behave as expected on the first try, so it's worth opening and testing them before you need them most, not at 2 p.m. the day before a storm. Caulk around windows and doors also tends to degrade faster than expected in this humid climate. 

Confirm that:

• Shutters or panels open, close, and seal properly.
• Caulking around windows and doors is inspected and reapplied where needed.
• Plywood, fasteners, and hardware are available for homes without permanent shutters. 

Insurance and Documentation

New residents to the coast are sometimes surprised to learn their standard homeowner's policy stops at the water line, so to speak. Flood coverage is a separate policy, and it's worth confirming yours is current or increasing coverage if you're planning to stay long-term. While you're at it, walk through the house with your phone and record what everything looks like right now. 

Check that:

• Your flood policy is active with coverage matched to your property's value.
• Video or photos have been taken of every room, plus the roof and exterior.
• Insurance records and photos are stored in the cloud or somewhere outside the home. 

What Should Myrtle Beach Homeowners Know About Coastal Storm Preparation?

When should I prepare my home for hurricane season? 

Late summer is a good time to re-check your roof, drainage, windows, doors, and storm protection. Even if you prepared earlier in the year, coastal weather and everyday wear can create new maintenance issues. 

Does homeowners' insurance cover flood damage?

Standard homeowners' insurance generally does not cover flooding caused by rising water. Homeowners who need flood protection typically purchase a separate flood insurance policy, so review your coverage before a storm threatens the coast. 

What should I document before a coastal storm?

Take current photos or video of your home's interior and exterior, including major belongings, the roof, and outdoor features. Keep copies of your insurance information and documentation somewhere you can access even if you're away from home. 

Getting Ahead of the Season

None of these tasks take more than an afternoon, and they pay off. Whether you're settling into your new home or still browsing Myrtle Beach homes for sale, contact us anytime to talk about getting ready for storm season.