How to Safeguard Your Home from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage

Water damage, flooding and structural destruction are the typical scenarios for a post-hurricane environment. However, there are a few important approaches you can take in order to avoid these scenarios and any excessive storm damage repairs. It’s important to do whatever you can to secure your property from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors protected. Listed below are methods to keep in mind when preparing your residence against Mother Nature.

Essential Methods in Hurricane Preparation

  • Garage Door – Believe it or not, your garage is actually one of the more vulnerable places when it comes to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. The reason why: the average garage door is not reinforced and strong winds can get into the garage. 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 place a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually it could tear it off your garage. To combat this from happening, the best technique is to purchase a kit that supports your garage door. Although, if it’s too late to put in a garage door kit, then you can use your car to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Damaged windows don’t only allow the rain to get into your residence, but the wind that blows in can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to significant structural damage. Storm shutters are an efficient way to protect your residence during a storm. When a storm is on its way, make sure the latches on your shutters are functioning properly 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 important to know that placing masking tape on your windows won’t do anything in a heavy storm. After your windows are secure, move to your doors next. Make sure they’re sturdy and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
  • Roof – Conducting a quick checkup on your roof before a hurricane comes to your area can save you from excessive property damage. A good beginning point is to locate damaged shingles and apply some roofing cement to repair them. Afterward, check to see if there are exposed gaps where any wiring is coming into your house and seal them. This can bar any water from entering your residence. You might want to consider obtaining hurricane straps to make sure your roof is secure as well. Another thing to do is unclog your gutters so there’s proper irrigation for the strong rains.
  • Your Property – It’s necessary to clear your property of any loose items such as children’s toys, garden accessories and patio furniture. If it can be picked up from a strong wind storm, then clear it out and put it in a secure location so it doesn’t cause damage to your house and others’ around you. Furthermore, inspect your trees for any dead or loose limbs and trim them if they need it.
  • Car – When you’re concerned about safeguarding your house from a hurricane, it’s easy to forget about your automobile. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas, that your tires aren’t worn down, the windows are sealed and that your windshield wipers are working. If you park your car on the street, you’ll want to check that you’re not parked under any trees or in an area that is susceptible to flooding.

Paul Davis’ Storm Damage Cleanup & Repair Services

Even with all the precautions you take in securing your residence, there is only so much you can do. If your home succumbs to damage caused by a hurricane, call the experts at Paul Davis. The team at Paul Davis can restore your house back to its original status with our storm damage restoration and remediation services. In addition, we work with a variety of home insurers and we can help you verify if your damage is covered. Reach out to Paul Davis today at 989-894-4450 to find a franchise near your location.