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

Natural disasters can strike at any time, but hurricanes can at least be revealed prior to hitting your location. Hurricane season is a time for preparation. Since your home is one of your biggest investments, it’s a smart idea to do what you can to prevent the perils that hurricanes can bring to your property and to avoid any storm damage repair. There are many things to check up on when safeguarding your residence for the ensuing storm. To protect your residence from a hurricane, follow the steps below.

Hurricane Prevention Checklist – Best Methods to Avoid Storm Damage

  • Garage Door – In fact, your garage is actually one of the most vulnerable places when it comes to extreme storms such as hurricanes. The explanation: most garage doors are not supported and strong winds can get into the area. When this occurs, you get a positive push in the garage, and as the winds are churning above it, this causes a negative pull. A push-pull combination is created, and this can put a lot of stress on your roof and eventually tear it off. To avoid this from happening, the best method is to buy a kit that supports 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 comes through can increase the pressure under your roof, which can lead to significant structural damage. Storm shutters are a great way to defend your residence during a hurricane. When a storm is at hand, make sure the latches are functioning correctly and you may want to consider installing additional locks for added defense. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don’t have storm shutters, but it’s crucial to know that putting masking tape on your windows won’t do anything in a heavy storm. After your windows are protected, check your doors next. Make sure they’re sturdy and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
  • Roof – Inspecting your roof is crucial before a hurricane passes through your location, and it can prevent property damage and give you peace-of-mind. A great beginning point is to locate loose shingles and use some roofing cement to repair them. Afterward, look for any unprotected gaps where any wiring is coming into your home and seal them off. Small gaps may not seem like an issue, but sealing them off can stop water from entering your residence. You might want to consider getting hurricane straps to ensure your roof is secure as well. Another thing to do is unclog your gutters so there’s good irrigation for the strong rains.
  • Your Property – Take a stroll through your lawn prior to the storm. Your trees and shrubs need some treatment and might require some pruning. Any dead or dangling branches can be dangerous in extreme winds and could cause a lot of damage to your property. This also consists of items on your property like patio furniture as well. Relocate any items that aren’t secured to the ground or weighed down to a secure place before the wind takes them away.
  • Car – When you’re caught up in securing your home from a hurricane, it’s understandable that you forget about your automobile. Ensure that you have a full tank of gas, that your tires are in good condition, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are good. If you park your car on the street, you’ll want to verify that you’re not parked under any trees or in an area that is susceptible to floods.

Call a Local Paul Davis Franchise Today

Paul Davis offers storm damage restoration services, so if your home has been damaged by a hurricane, contact our expert team. After all, there is only so much you can do to combat Mother Nature. We can fix and restore your property back to normal, and we work with various insurance companies. We can help you evaluate what’s covered under your insurance. For a Paul Davis franchise in your area, reach out to us at 989-894-4450.