Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane – Storm Damage Prevention
Flooding, structural loss and water damage are the common scenarios after a hurricane hits. Nevertheless, there are some fundamental precautions you can take in order to avoid these incidents and any major storm damage repairs. It’s crucial to do whatever you can to secure your home from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors protected. Listed below are approaches to keep in mind when defending your property against Mother Nature.
Hurricane Preparation Checklist – Best Steps to Prevent Storm Damage
- Garage Door – If your property has a garage, this might be one of the first things you need to take care of. Most garage doors don’t have the support to brace strong winds. What can take place is the wind will produce a positive push inside your garage, and the wind outside of the structure causes a negative pull. When this happens, your roof and garage will undergo a lot of pressure because of this push-pull instance. To avoid an excessive storm damage repair, you can purchase a kit that will help your garage door resist hurricane conditions. This is the most trustworthy step, but if time isn’t on your side, then you can use your car to help brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Windows and doors are another entrance for a hurricane to create disruption. Broken windows will allow wind and rain to enter into your house, and this can lead to water damage problems. When a hurricane is imminent, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters, make sure they are functioning and locked, but if you don’t have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep potential damage out of your home. Also, remember that placing masking tape on your windows won’t do anything to defend them. Concerning your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to ensure they don’t pop open during strong wind gusts.
- Roof – Make sure to inspect your roof for any out of place shingles and other vulnerable spots. Get some roof cement to repair any loose shingles, and you should consider hurricane straps to make sure your roof is secure to your home. Also, you’ll want to seal any areas where wires enter into your home to avoid any water damage from happening. While you’re inspecting your roof, check to see if your gutters are clear of debris. You want to verify you have proper irrigation for the heavy rains that happen during a hurricane.
- Your Property – Your yard can be a primary threat when a hurricane comes through. Items that aren’t weighed down or fastened to the ground could be lifted from the extreme wind and be hurled into your home and your neighbor’s as well. Make sure to move any garden accessories, children’s toys, patio furniture and BBQs to an area safe from the storm. Another thing you’ll want to do is remove any loose or dead limbs from your shrubs and trees.
- Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you’re prepping your home for a hurricane. But it’s important to get your vehicle ready as well, so make sure you have: a full tank of gas, good windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed properly. In addition, be attentive of where you park your vehicle, especially if you park on the street. Check that your car isn’t under any trees or in an area that’s susceptible to floods.
Call a Local Paul Davis Franchise Today
Despite all the precautions you take in safeguarding your property, there is only so much you can do. If your property succumbs to damage generated from a hurricane, reach out to the professionals at Paul Davis. Our storm and hurricane damage repair and remediation services will get your property back to a healthy condition. We also work with a variety of insurance companies and we can offer guidance and help you figure out if your damage is covered. Reach out to us today at 989-894-4450 to locate a franchise near your area.