How to Safeguard Your House from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage

Damages caused from hurricanes can be disastrous for your home. The extreme weather conditions can harm any home, such as smash windows, tear apart roofs and knock over trees. Your home is also prone to water damage from downpours. However, there are preventative measures you can take to protect your home from heavy weather conditions. Follow the approaches listed below to assure you, your family and your home is safeguarded from a hurricane and to prevent excessive storm damage repairs.

Hurricane Preparation Checklist – Best Methods to Prevent Storm Damage

  • Garage Door – Believe it or not, your garage is actually one of the most susceptible places when it comes to heavy weather conditions like hurricanes. The reason why: most garage doors are not supported and heavy winds can get into the area. When this occurs, you get a positive push in the garage, and as the winds are swirling above your structure, this causes a negative pull. With the push-pull combination, this can place a lot of pressure on your roof and ultimately tear it off. To avoid this from happening, the best method is to purchase a kit that supports your garage door. Although, if time isn’t on your side to put in a garage door kit, then you can utilize your vehicle to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the most frequent perils associated with hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren’t safeguarded this will allow the wind and rain to move in your home. Before the storm reaches your area, confirm that your shutters are durable and in a functional condition. The latches need to be stable and it may be necessary to install locks on them. Boarding up your windows is also an efficient approach if you don’t have storm shutters. A common misconception with window preparation is that you can tape up the window; however, this doesn’t defend it at all. Additionally, verify that your doors are in strong condition and that the deadbolts are working right. You can also brace your doors for added measure.
  • Roof – Your roof acts as a number one defense against Mother Nature, and that’s why it’s crucial to make sure it’s ready for a hurricane. Locate any loose shingles and fix them with reliable roofing material, such as roofing cement. You’ll also want irrigation for the strong rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn’t concentrate on your roof. You can then locate any wires that are entering into your home and seal off any exposed gaps to block water damage from occurring. Finally, figure out whether it’s required to protect your roof with hurricane straps.
  • Your Property – It’s significant to clear your property of any loose items like patio furniture, children’s toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If the item can be lifted from a heavy gust of wind, then clear it out and put it in a safe area so it doesn’t cause damage to your home and others’ around you. Additionally, inspect your trees and shrubbery for any dead or loose limbs and trim them if necessary.
  • Car – Along with your home, you should also take preventative measures with your vehicle. Don’t park your vehicle beneath any trees or in an area that is susceptible to flooding. If you keep your vehicle on the street, you should really be cautious of where you park. In addition, do some prep work as well, like: ensuring your tank is full, your windshield wipers are in good condition, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed correctly.

Call a Local Paul Davis Franchise Today

Damages from hurricanes can be disastrous, and there is only so much you can do to defend your home. If you’re in need of storm damage repair services, reach out to Paul Davis. Our team of professionals can restore your home back to normal in a timely manner. You can trust the professional storm damage repair team at Paul Davis. Give us a call now at 989-894-4450 and a franchise in your area will be there to get the job done.