Avon, Ohio – September 18, 2026 -- A new national survey finds that 63% of homeowners rate their storm preparedness a 7 out of 10 or higher, yet most still reach for the wrong repair tools once damage actually occurs. The T-Rex® Tape Storm Readiness Report, based on a September 2026 poll of 1,000 homeowners conducted by T-Rex® Brand, found 48% have tested batteries for emergency devices and 45% have trimmed trees around their homes as part of storm prep.
Eight in 10 homeowners face unexpected repairs
Eighty percent of respondents have experienced unexpected home damage requiring repair, and 43% say it's happening more often than five years ago, pointing to aging homes and severe weather as top causes. Despite this, only 30% have organized their repair tools as part of storm preparation, and just 51% say emergency storm supplies would be easy to find when needed.
Most homeowners try to fix damage themselves within a day
Fifty-eight percent feel comfortable sealing a small leak, and 46% feel comfortable securing a broken window or door. More than half act within 24 hours of noticing damage, but a third admit that damage grew larger or more expensive because they waited too long. When repairs are delayed, cost and the need to hire a professional rank highest, followed by 24% citing a lack of the right supplies and 20% lacking the right tools.
Duct tape still dominates storm kits over purpose-built repair tape
Fifty-nine percent of Americans know that repair tape, unlike traditional duct tape, is built for heavy-duty patching, sealing and waterproofing, and 59% expect it to keep water out while 56% expect it to hold through rain. Even so, duct tape sits in 69% of emergency storm kits, compared to just 37% stocking waterproof repair tape. Seventy-five percent have used duct tape simply because it was the only tool on hand, and 63% reached for it during storm-related repairs more than any other option.
Brand points to a tape built for wet, extreme conditions
T-Rex® Brand's response is its Ferociously Strong Waterproof and Repair Tape, which uses Flex-to-Fit TechnologyTM and a solventless UV acrylic adhesive to grip wet, rough surfaces like concrete, metal and wood. The tape seals out water, air and moisture, works underwater, and holds in extreme temperatures until a permanent fix is possible.
"Americans can be closer to storm-ready by making a few simple changes to how they prepare, like having the right supplies within reach," said Kerry Haugh, Director of Product Marketing for T-Rex® Brand. "National Preparedness Month and peak storm season are a good reminder that being ready is also about being resourceful when the unexpected happens."