Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane - Storm Damage Prevention
Damage caused from hurricanes can be disastrous for your house. The extreme weather conditions can impair any house like shatter windows, tear apart roofs and knock over trees. Your house is also vulnerable to water damage and flooding from downpours. Nevertheless, there are approaches you can take to protect your property from heavy storms. Follow the guidelines below to ensure you, your family and your property is secure from a hurricane and to avoid extreme storm damage repairs.Things to Plan When a Hurricane Is En Route
- Garage Door – To prevent any extreme storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the primary things to take care. Most of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren't installed to combat hurricane conditions, so it's important to purchase a support kit. By bracing your garage door, you'll block the winds that create a positive push in your space. This is critical since the winds outside will cause a negative pull over your garage. When this occurs, you'll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of pressure on your roof and garage. Supporting your garage door with braces is the most efficient method to avoid excessive damage. But, if don't have the time to install braces, you can use your car to brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Windows and doors are another entry-point for a hurricane to create a catastrophe. Damaged windows will allow rain and wind to move through your property, and this can cause water damage issues. When a hurricane is on the way, make sure you lock and secure your windows. If you have storm shutters installed, ensure they are closed and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep possible destruction out of your home. Additionally, keep in mind that using masking tape on your windows won't do anything to secure them. As for your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to confirm they don't pop open during heavy wind gusts.
- Roof – Make sure to scan your roof for any out of place shingles and other susceptible areas. You can use roof cement to fix any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to ensure your roof is secure to your home. Additionally, you'll want to seal any spots where wires come into your home to avoid any water damage from occurring. While you're checking out your roof, this is a good time to see if your gutters are congested. You want to make sure you have suitable irrigation for the heavy rains that happen during a hurricane.
- Your Property – Strolling through your outdoor property is another important step you should take. Your trees and shrubs need some consideration and might require some trimming. Any dangling or dead limbs can be threatening in windy conditions and could cause excessive damage to your property. This includes items in your yard such as patio furniture too. Transfer any items that aren't fastened to the ground or weighed down to a safe place before the wind can take them.
- Car – When you're worried about securing your home from a hurricane, it's easy to forget about your car. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas, that your tires are in good condition, the windows are sealed and that your windshield wipers are working. If you have to park on the street, you'll want to make sure that you're not parked under any trees or in a location that is prone to flooding.