Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane – Storm Damage Prevention

Natural disasters can materialize without a moment’s notice, but hurricanes can at least be identified before they hit your area. Preparation and planning are the most essential things you can execute when hurricane season comes around. Since your home is one of your most valuable assets, it’s a smart 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 many things to check up on when safeguarding your home for a hurricane. To secure your home from a hurricane, follow the steps below.

Fundamental Approaches in Hurricane Precautions

  • Garage Door – Start with your garage if your residence has one, because this is one of the more susceptible areas for storm damage. Most garage doors don’t have the support to combat high winds. What can happen is the wind will create a positive push in your garage, and the wind outside of the structure creates a negative pull. When this occurs, your garage and roof will undergo a lot of stress because of this push-pull situation. To prevent a major storm damage repair, you can purchase braces that will help your garage door withstand hurricane conditions. This is the most reliable method, but if time isn’t on your side, then you can use your automobile to help brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – The other vulnerable areas in your home are your entrances like your doors and windows. Broken windows will allow rain and wind to move through your house, and this can cause water damage problems. When a hurricane is imminent, make sure you lock and secure your windows. If you have storm shutters, ensure they are in good condition and locked, but if you don’t have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep possible damage out of your residence. Additionally, remember that sticking masking tape on your windows doesn’t do anything to protect them. Concerning your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to ensure they don’t fly open during strong winds.
  • Roof – Inspecting your roof is crucial before a hurricane passes through your area, and it can help you avoid property damage and provide you peace-of-mind. A great beginning point is to locate damaged shingles and use some roofing cement to fix them. Afterward, check to see if there are exposed gaps where any wiring is coming into your home and seal them. This can block water from getting into your home. You might want to consider getting hurricane straps to make sure your roof is secure too. Additionally, you’ll want to clean out your gutters so there’s good irrigation for the strong rains.
  • Your Property – The outside of your property can be a number one risk when a hurricane comes through. Items that aren’t weighed down or fastened to the ground could be lifted from the high wind and be heaved into your residence and your neighbor’s as well. Walk around your property and move any BBQs, garden accessories, children’s toys and patio furniture to an area safe from the storm. Another thing you need to do is remove any loose or dead branches from your trees and shrubs.
  • Car – Aside from your house, you should also take precautions with your automobile. Don’t park your car beneath any trees or in an area that is susceptible to flooding. If you rely on street parking, you should really be careful of where you park during a hurricane. Furthermore, do some prep work as well, like: ensuring your tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed correctly.

Reach Out to Paul Davis for Hurricane Damage Repair

Regardless of all the preventative measures you take in safeguarding your home, there is only so much you can do against storm damages. If your home experiences damage produced by a hurricane, call the professionals at Paul Davis. Our storm damage repair and remediation services will get your home back to normal again. We also work with a variety of insurance agencies and we can offer guidance and help you figure out if your damage is covered. Contact Paul Davis today at 989-894-4450 to find a franchise near your location.