A Homeowners Approach to Protecting a Home from a Hurricane

Damages generated from hurricanes can be devastating for your home. The extreme weather conditions can harm any home like shatter windows, separate roofs and knock over trees. Your home is also susceptible to water damage from downpours. Yet, there are approaches you can take to safeguard your house from heavy storms. Follow the practices listed below to ensure you, your family and your property is protected from a hurricane and to prevent extreme storm damage restoration.

Hurricane Precaution Checklist

  • Garage Door – Begin with your garage if your property has one, because this is one of the more susceptible areas for storm damage. High winds can get through the standard residential garage door because they’re not installed with the needed support. What can happen is the wind will create a positive push in your garage, and the wind outside of the structure creates a negative pull. When this takes place, your garage and roof will undergo a lot of stress because of this push-pull situation. To defend from a major storm damage restoration, you can buy braces that will help your garage door hold off hurricane conditions. This is the most reliable step, but if you don’t have the time to install a kit, then you can use your car to help brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Broken windows don’t only allow the rain to get into your house, but the wind that comes in can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to significant structural damage. Storm shutters are a great approach to secure your property during a storm. When a storm is on its way, make sure the latches on your shutters are working properly and you may want to consider installing additional locks for added defense. You can also board up your windows if you don’t have shutters, but it’s important to note that placing masking tape on your windows won’t do anything in a heavy storm. After your windows are secure, check your doors next. Make sure they’re sturdy and that the deadbolts are in working order.
  • Roof – Make sure to inspect your roof for any loose shingles and other vulnerable spots. You can use roof cement to secure any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to make sure your roof is fastened to your home. Additionally, it’s a good idea to seal any spots where wires enter into your house to prevent any water damage from occurring. While you’re checking out your roof, check to see if your gutters are cleaned out. You want to ensure you have proper irrigation for the pouring rain that occur during a hurricane.
  • Your Property – Your lawn can be a number one risk when a hurricane comes through. Items that aren’t weighed down or fastened to the ground could be lifted from the high wind and be flung into your house and your neighbor’s too. Make sure to move any children’s toys, patio furniture, BBQs and garden accessories to an area safe from the storm. One other thing you’ll want to do is remove any dangling or dead limbs from your trees and shrubs.
  • Car – When you’re concerned about securing your residence from a hurricane, it’s easy to forget about your car. Ensure that you have a full tank of gas, that your tires have good tread, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are good. If you park your car on the street, you’ll want to verify that you’re not parked under trees or in an area that is vulnerable to flooding.

Call Paul Davis for Storm Damage Restoration

Paul Davis provides storm damage restoration and remediation services, so if your residence has been injured by a hurricane, contact our expert team. After all, there is only so much you can do to protect your home from Mother Nature. We can restore your house back to normal, and we work with different insurance agencies. The professional team at Paul Davis can help you examine what’s covered with your policy. To locate a Paul Davis franchise near you, contact us at 989-894-4450.