How to Protect Your House from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage
Damage produced from hurricanes can be disastrous for your house. The extreme weather conditions can harm any house like break windows, tear apart roofs and knock over trees. Your house is also vulnerable to water damage from the heavy rains. However, there are approaches you can take to defend your house from heavy storms. Follow the guidelines below to make sure you, your family and your property is protected from a hurricane and to avoid extreme storm damage repairs.Things to Plan When a Hurricane Is Scheduled
- Garage Door – To prevent any major storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the primary things to check for. A lot of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren't designed to fight hurricane conditions, so it's critical to buy a brace kit. Through supporting your garage door, you'll prevent the winds that cause a positive push in your garage. This is integral since the winds outside will cause a negative pull above 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 effective approach to avoid major damage. However, if it's too late to install the garage door kit, you can use your vehicle to brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Damaged windows don't only allow the rain to get into your home, but the wind that blows in can increase the pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive damage to your structure. Storm shutters are an efficient approach to defend your property during a storm. When a hurricane is at hand, ensure the latches on your shutters are functioning correctly and you may want to think about installing additional locks for added defense. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don't have storm shutters, but it's important to know that putting masking tape on your windows won't do anything to protect your house from a hurricane. After your windows are protected, check your doors next. Verify that they're durable and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
- Roof – Your roof is a primary defense against Mother Nature, and that's why it's critical to ensure it's ready for hurricane season. Search for any loose shingles and mend them with roofing concrete. You'll also want good irrigation for the strong rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn't accumulate 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. Lastly, evaluate whether it's necessary to fasten your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – The land outside of your property can be a primary risk when a hurricane approaches. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be lifted from the extreme wind and be flung into your home and your neighbor's as well. Walk around your lawn and relocate any garden accessories, children's toys, patio furniture and BBQs to a location safe from the storm. One other thing you need to do is remove any dangling or dead limbs from your trees and shrubs.
- Car – Aside from your home, you should also take precautions with your vehicle. Don't park your vehicle under any trees or in an area that floods easily. If you keep your vehicle on the street, you should really be watchful of where you park during a hurricane. Additionally, prepare your vehicle, like: making sure your tank is full, your windshield wipers are in good condition, your tires aren't worn out and that your windows are sealed correctly.
