Hurricane Security – Preparing Your House from Probable Damage
Damages generated by hurricanes can be disastrous for your property. The extreme weather conditions can harm any property like smash windows, separate roofs and uproot trees and shrubs. Your property is also prone to water damage and flooding from the heavy rains. However, there are preventative measures you can take to defend your house from heavy weather conditions. Follow the guidelines below to ensure you, your family and your property is defended from a hurricane and to avoid excessive storm damage repairs.How to Plan for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – To avoid any extreme storm damage repairs, 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 essential to buy a support kit. By bracing your garage door, you'll prevent the winds that cause a positive push in your garage. This is crucial since the winds outside will generate a negative pull over your garage. When this occurs, you'll get a tug-of-war scenario which puts a lot of stress on your garage and roof. Supporting your garage door with braces is the most efficient approach 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 – Damaged windows don't only allow the rain to get into your residence, but the wind that comes in can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive structural damage. Storm shutters are a great method to protect your property during a hurricane. When a storm is imminent, make sure the latches are functioning properly and you may want to consider installing additional locks for added measure. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don't have shutters, but it's important to note that placing masking tape on your windows won't do anything in a heavy storm. When your windows are secure, move to your doors next. Verify that they're durable and that the deadbolts are in working order.
- Roof – Administering a quick checkup on your roof prior to a hurricane can save you from a lot of property damage. One of the main things you'll want to check for is loose shingles and use some roofing cement to fix them. Next, look for any threatening gaps where any wiring is entering in your house and seal them off. This can block water from entering your property. You might want to consider getting hurricane straps to verify your roof is secure too. Another thing to do is unclog your gutters so there's appropriate irrigation for the heavy rains.
- Your Property – Your yard 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 high wind and be hurled into your residence and your neighbor's as well. Make sure to relocate any patio furniture, BBQs, garden accessories and children's toys to a place out of harm's way. One other thing you'll want to do is remove any loose or dead limbs from your shrubs and trees.
- Car – Aside from your property, it's necessary to take preventative measures with your car. Don't park your car under any trees or in a spot that is prone to flooding. If you rely on street parking, you should really be careful of where you park during a hurricane. In addition, do some prep work as well, such as: making sure your tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed properly.
