Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane – Storm Damage Prevention
Ruined structures, water damage and flooding are the common cases for a post-hurricane environment. However, there are a few important methods you can take in order to avoid these scenarios and any excessive storm damage repairs. It’s important to do what you can to defend your house from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors safe. Below is a list of approaches to keep in mind while defending your property against Mother Nature.
Ways to Plan for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – Believe it or not, your garage is actually one of the most vulnerable spots when it comes to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes. The reason why: the average garage door is not supported and strong winds can get into the area. When this happens, a positive push generates inside the garage, and as the winds are whirling above it, this causes a negative pull. A push-pull combination is created, and this can put a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually tear it off. To combat this from happening, the best approach is to buy a kit that supports your garage door. Although, if it’s too late to install a kit, then you can utilize your car to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – A common occurrence that’s correlated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your windows and doors aren’t protected this will allow the wind and rain to move in your home. Before the storm reaches your location, confirm that your shutters are durable and in a working condition. The latches need to be strong and you’ll also want to install locks on them. You can also cover your windows with some OSB if you don’t have storm shutters. One wrong impression that’s passed around for window preparation is that you can use masking tape on the window; but this doesn’t defend it at all. Additionally, make sure your doors are in strong condition and that the deadbolts are functioning right. You can also brace your doors for added measure.
- Roof – Administering a quick checkup on your roof prior to a hurricane can save you from excessive property damage. A great starting point is to locate loose shingles and apply some roofing cement to fix them. Afterward, look for any unprotected gaps where any wiring is coming into your home and seal them. Small gaps may not seem like an issue, but sealing them off can stop water from coming into your property. You might want to think about obtaining hurricane straps to confirm your roof is fastened too. Additionally, you’ll want to clean out your gutters so there’s proper irrigation for the strong rains.
- Your Property – It’s necessary to clear your yard of any loose items like patio furniture, children’s toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If it can be picked up from a heavy gust of wind, then relocate it to a secure location so it doesn’t cause damage to your home and others’ around you. Additionally, examine your trees and shrubbery for any dangling or dead limbs and trim them if necessary.
- Car – Along with your house, it’s necessary to take precautions with your car. Don’t park your vehicle under any trees or in an area that floods easily. If you rely on street parking, you should really be watchful of where you park during a hurricane. In addition, do some prep work too, like: ensuring your tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed properly.
Get Hurricane Damage Restoration Services for Your Property through Paul Davis
Damages caused by hurricanes can be disastrous, and there is only so much you can do to secure your home. When your property needs storm damage restoration services, get in touch with Paul Davis. Our team of professionals can fix and restore your house back to normal in a timely manner. You can trust the expert storm damage restoration team at Paul Davis. Give us a call now at 989-894-4450 and a franchise in your area will be there to assist.