Getting Your Home Ready for a Hurricane – Storm Damage Prevention

Water damage, flooding and structural loss are the common cases for a post-hurricane environment. However, there are some fundamental approaches you can take in order to avoid these scenarios and any excessive storm damage restorations. It’s crucial to do whatever you can to secure your property from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors secure. Listed below are things to keep in mind while prepping your house against the elements.

Necessary Steps in Hurricane Preparation

  • Garage Door – Believe it or not, your garage is actually one of the most susceptible spots when it comes to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes. The logic behind it: most garage doors are not reinforced and heavy winds can get into the area. When this occurs, a positive push generates inside the garage, and as the winds are swirling above it, this causes a negative pull. With the push-pull combo, this can put a lot of stress on your roof and ultimately rip it off. To combat this from taking place, the best resolution is to purchase a kit that braces your garage door. But if it’s too late to put in a garage door kit, then you can utilize your car to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Broken windows don’t only allow the rain to get into your house, but the wind that blows through can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to significant damage to your structure. Storm shutters are an efficient approach to protect your house during a storm. When a hurricane is at hand, ensure the latches are functioning properly and you may want to think about installing additional locks for added measure. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don’t have shutters, but it’s crucial to know that putting masking tape on your windows won’t do anything to defend your house from a hurricane. When your windows are secure, move to your doors next. Make sure they’re stable and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
  • Roof – Your roof acts as your primary defender against Mother Nature, and that’s why it’s critical to ensure it’s ready for hurricane season. Search for any damaged shingles and repair them with roofing concrete. You’ll also want irrigation for the heavy rains, so clear out your gutters so the water doesn’t pool on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are entering into your house and seal off any susceptible gaps to prevent water damage from occurring. Finally, check whether it’s crucial to protect your roof with hurricane straps.
  • Your Property – The outside of your property can be a primary risk when a hurricane hits your town. Any loose items could be lifted from the high wind and be launched into your house and your neighbor’s too. Make sure to relocate any garden accessories, children’s toys, patio furniture and BBQs to a place safe from the storm. One other thing you need to do is remove any dangling or dead branches from your shrubs and trees.
  • Car – Along with your property, you should also take preventative measures with your car. Don’t park your vehicle beneath any trees or in an area that floods easily. If you rely on street parking, you should really be careful of where you park during a hurricane. Additionally, do some prep work too, like: making sure your tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires aren’t worn out and that your windows are sealed properly.

Experienced Hurricane Damage Repair Contractors for Your Property

Paul Davis provides storm damage restoration services, so if your residence has been harmed by a hurricane, call our expert team. After all, there is only so much you can do to combat the elements. We can restore your house back to normal, and we work with different insurance companies. The experienced team at Paul Davis can help you figure out what’s covered with your insurance. For a Paul Davis franchise in your area, reach out to us at 989-894-4450.