Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane - Prevent Storm Damages
Damages caused by hurricanes can be devastating for your residence. The extreme winds can shatter windows, separate roofs and knock over trees. Your residence is also vulnerable to water damage and flooding from the constant rain. Still, there are approaches you can take to defend your home from heavy storms. Follow the approaches listed below to assure you, your family and your house is defended from a hurricane and to avoid the need for storm damage restoration.Ways to Plan for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – To avoid any extreme 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 installed to defend against hurricane conditions, so it's important to purchase a support kit. Through bracing your garage door, you'll block the winds that cause a positive push in your space. This is critical because the winds outside will create a negative pull over your garage. When this occurs, you'll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of stress on your garage and roof. Supporting your garage door with braces is an efficient way to avoid excessive damage. However, if don't have the time to install braces, you can use your vehicle to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Windows and doors are another access-point for a hurricane to cause chaos. Defective windows will allow wind and rain to move through your home, and this can cause water damage issues. When a hurricane is imminent, make sure you lock and secure your windows. If you have storm shutters, ensure they are functioning and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep potential damage out of your home. Additionally, remember that sticking masking tape on your windows won't secure them at all. Regarding your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to verify they don't fly open during heavy wind gusts.
- Roof – Your roof acts as your number one protector against Mother Nature, and that's why it's important to ensure it's ready for hurricane season. Locate any loose shingles and mend them with roofing concrete. You'll also want irrigation for the pouring rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn't pool on your roof. You can then find any wires that are going into your home and seal off any threatening gaps to block water damage from occurring. Finally, evaluate whether it's required to fasten your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – The exterior of your property can be a primary threat when a hurricane approaches. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be picked from the extreme wind and be thrown into your home and your neighbor's as well. Walk around your lawn and move any patio furniture, BBQs, garden accessories and children's toys to a place out of harm's way. One other thing you need to do is remove any loose or dead branches from your shrubs and trees.
- Car – Your car can easily be forgotten when you're protecting your home for a hurricane. But it's just as critical to get your car ready as well, so check that you have: your gas tank filled, working windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed. Additionally, be vigilant of where you park your car, especially if you rely on street parking. Check that your vehicle isn't under any trees or in an area that's susceptible to floods.
