The heavy winds in the Boston area over the past couple weeks have rattled our historic windows at home, and took out the sign at my listing across the street. Our position takes significant uphill winds in most weather, but these have been the strongest I’ve experienced since we moved in.
Remember: houses are a series of systems and constituent parts. They’re not monolithic!
In strong winds, buildings can shift and flex, especially New England’s (very common) wood frame residential construction. Old homes are often described as feeling “solid,” ours included - in most winds, there is no creaking of the house itself - but that flexing is normal and possible. This is true in steel towers downtown, too! Flexibility allows for resilience in extreme conditions.
Once the winds died down, we noticed the neighbors’ downspouts making a break from the house; when we walked out on the porch to take a closer look, the chimney flashing seems to have taken a beating, too.
The aftermath of any severe weather, and especially heavy wind, is a good time to take a lap outside your home to check for new exterior wear and tear. Reconnecting downspouts and vinyl siding is simple, but prevents major damage and rot that could occur in prolonged exposure to water - not to mention worsening in the next wind.
Check chimney flashing and caps, gutters and downspouts, soffits, vent covers, and siding. If anything has come loose, add it to your repair plan for spring!