Hurricane Defense – Prepping Your Property from Potential Disaster

Natural disasters can happen at any time, but hurricanes can at least be observed before they hit your location. Preparation and planning are the most effective things you can do when a hurricane approaches. Because your house is one of your most valuable expenses, it’s a good idea to do what you can to avoid the damages that hurricanes can bring to your house and to avoid any storm damage repair. There are lots of things to check up on when safeguarding your property for the ensuing storm. To defend your property from a hurricane, use the approaches listed below.

Ways to Plan for a Hurricane

  • Garage Door – To avoid any extreme storm damage repairs, your garage door should be one of the primary things to check for. A lot of the garage doors on the market aren’t designed to fight hurricane conditions, so it’s critical to buy a support kit. Through supporting your garage door, you’ll have defense against the winds that cause a positive push in your garage. This is critical because the winds that develop outside will generate a negative pull over your garage. When this happens, you’ll get a tug-of-war scenario which puts a lot of pressure on your garage and roof. Getting a brace kit for your garage door is the most effective approach to avoid major damage. However, if don’t have the time to install the garage door kit, you can use your automobile to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Busted windows don’t only allow the rain to get into your residence, but the wind that comes in can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive damage to your structure. Storm shutters are an effective way to defend your property during a hurricane. When a hurricane is looming, make sure the latches are functioning correctly and you may want to think about 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 note that placing masking tape on your windows won’t do anything in a heavy storm. When your windows are protected, check your doors next. Make sure they’re reliable and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
  • Roof – Conducting a quick checkup on your roof prior to a hurricane can save you from excessive property damage. A good starting point is to check for damaged shingles and apply some roofing cement to fix them. Afterward, look for any exposed gaps where any wiring is coming into your house and seal them off. Small gaps might not seem like a problem, but sealing them off can stop water from entering your property. You might want to think about getting hurricane straps to make sure your roof is fastened too. Additionally, you’ll want to clear out your gutters so there’s appropriate irrigation for the heavy rains.
  • Your Property – The exterior of your property can be a number one risk when a hurricane hits your town. Items that aren’t weighed down or fastened to the ground could be picked from the high wind and be thrown into your residence and your neighbor’s too. Walk around your lawn and relocate any BBQs, garden accessories, children’s toys and patio furniture to a place safe from the storm. Another thing you’ll want to do is cut back any dangling or dead limbs from your trees and shrubs.
  • Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you’re preparing your house for a hurricane. But it’s just as crucial to get your vehicle ready too, so ensure you have: your gas tank filled, working windshield wipers, good tires and your windows sealed properly. Also, be cautious of where you park, especially if you rely on street parking. Check that your vehicle isn’t under any trees or in a location that’s prone to flooding.

Our Hurricane Damage Cleanup & Repair Services

Even with all the necessary steps you take in safeguarding your property, there is only so much you can do. If your house experiences damage produced by a hurricane, reach out to the professionals at Paul Davis. Our storm and hurricane damage repair and remediation services will get your house back to the condition it was before. In addition, we work with a variety of insurance agencies and we can offer guidance and help you figure out if your damage is covered. Call us today at 989-894-4450 to locate a franchise near you.