How to Protect Your Home from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage
Natural disasters can strike at any time, but hurricanes can at least be revealed before they hit your location. Hurricane season is a time for planning. Since your home is one of your biggest expenses, it’s a good idea to do what you can to prevent the damages that hurricanes can bring to your property and to avoid any storm damage repair. There are a lot of things to keep in mind when prepping your home for a hurricane. To secure your home from a hurricane, use the steps below.
Hurricane Planning Checklist
- Garage Door – Begin with your garage if your residence has one, because this is one of the most vulnerable sections for storm damage. Most garage doors don’t have the support to fight strong winds. What can happen is the wind will generate a positive push inside your garage, and the wind outside of the structure causes a negative pull. When this happens, your garage and roof will sustain a lot of stress because of this tug-of-war situation. To avoid an excessive storm damage repair, you can buy braces that will help your garage door withstand hurricane conditions. This is the most effective approach, but if time isn’t on your side, then you can use your automobile to help support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – The other susceptible areas in your home are your access points such as your doors and windows. Broken windows will allow wind and rain to enter into your property, and this can lead to water damage issues. When a hurricane is imminent, make sure you lock and secure your windows. If you have storm shutters installed, ensure they are in good condition and locked, but if you don’t have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep potential destruction out of your residence. Additionally, keep in mind that sticking masking tape on your windows won’t defend them at all. Concerning your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to verify they don’t pop open during strong winds.
- Roof – Make sure to check out your roof for any loose shingles and other vulnerable areas. Get some roof cement to secure any loose shingles, and you should consider hurricane straps to ensure your roof is secure to your house. Additionally, it’s a good idea to seal any spots where wires enter into your home to prevent any water damage from occurring. While you’re checking out your roof, this is a good time to see if your gutters are clear of debris. You want to verify you have appropriate irrigation for the pouring rain that happen during a hurricane.
- Your Property – Strolling through your lawn is another critical step you should take. Your trees and shrubs need attention and might require some pruning. Any dead or dangling limbs can be threatening in windy conditions and could cause a lot of damage to your property. This goes for items on your lawn such as patio furniture too. Transfer any loose items to a safe place before the wind takes them away.
- Car – Aside from your home, you should also take preventative measures with your automobile. Don’t park your vehicle under any trees or in a spot that is susceptible to flooding. If you park on the street, you should really be careful of where you park during a hurricane. Additionally, do some prep work too, such as: making sure your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires aren’t worn out and that your windows are sealed properly.
Paul Davis – Your Hurricane Damage Repair Professionals
Paul Davis provides storm damage repair and remediation services, so if your property has been injured by a hurricane, reach out to our expert team. Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do to protect your house from Mother Nature. We can restore your property back to normal, and we work with a range of insurance agencies. We can help you evaluate what’s covered under your policy. For a Paul Davis franchise near your location, give us a call at 989-894-4450.