How to Secure Your Home from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage

Damages generated by hurricanes can be disastrous for your residence. The extreme weather conditions can impair any residence like break windows, separate roofs and knock over trees and shrubs. Your residence is also exposed to water damage and flooding from the constant rain. Nevertheless, there are preventative measures you can take to secure your property from heavy weather conditions. Follow the methods listed below to assure you, your family and your home is safeguarded from a hurricane and to prevent extreme storm damage restoration.

Hurricane Planning Checklist – Best Steps to Avoid Storm Damage

  • Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is actually one of the most vulnerable spots when it comes to heavy weather conditions like hurricanes. The explanation: the average garage door is not reinforced and heavy winds can get into the garage. When this happens, you get a positive push inside the garage, and as the winds are swirling above your structure, this causes a negative pull. A push-pull combination develops, and this can place a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually rip it off. To combat this from happening, the best technique is to buy a kit that braces your garage door. But if it’s too late to install a kit, then you can use your automobile to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Broken windows don’t only allow the rain to get into your residence, but the wind that comes through can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive structural damage. Storm shutters are a great approach to secure your home during a hurricane. When a storm is at hand, make sure the latches on your shutters are working correctly and you may want to consider adding additional locks for added security. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don’t have shutters, but it’s crucial to know that putting masking tape on your windows won’t do anything in a heavy storm. When your windows are secure, move to your doors next. Make sure they’re reliable and that the deadbolts are in working order.
  • Roof – Make sure to check out your roof for any damaged shingles and other vulnerable spots. You can use roof cement to mend any loose shingles, and you should consider hurricane straps to make sure your roof is secure to your home. Additionally, it’s a good idea to seal any spots where wires enter into your home to prevent any water damage from happening. While you’re inspecting your roof, this is a good time to see if your gutters are cleaned out. You want to confirm you have suitable irrigation for the heavy rains that happen during a hurricane.
  • Your Property – It’s necessary to clear your yard of any loose items like children’s toys, garden accessories and patio furniture. If it can be picked up from a heavy gust of wind, then relocate it to a safe area so it doesn’t cause damage to your property and others’ around you. Additionally, check your trees and shrubbery for any dangling or dead branches and trim them if they need it.
  • Car – When you’re caught up in securing your property from a hurricane, it’s easy to forget about your automobile. Make sure that your vehicle is filled with gas, that your tires are in good condition, the windows are sealed and that your windshield wipers are good. If you park your automobile on the street, you’ll want to make sure that you’re not parked under trees or in an area that is vulnerable to flooding.

Get Hurricane Damage Restoration Services for Your House with Paul Davis

Despite all the necessary steps you take in defending your home, there is only so much you can do against storm damages. If your house experiences damage produced by a hurricane, contact the experts at Paul Davis. Our storm damage repair and remediation services will get your house back to a healthy condition. We also work with various home insurers and we can help you determine if your damage is covered. Reach out to us today at 989-894-4450 to locate a franchise near you.