Getting Your Home Ready for a Hurricane - Storm Damage Prevention
Damage generated by hurricanes can be devastating for your property. The extreme weather conditions can impair any property, such as break windows, separate roofs and knock over trees and shrubs. Your property is also susceptible to water damage and flooding from the constant rain. However, there are precautions you can take to defend your property from heavy weather conditions. Follow the guidelines below to ensure you, your family and your house is secure from a hurricane and to prevent excessive storm damage restoration.Ways to Plan for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is actually one of the more susceptible spots when it comes to heavy weather conditions like hurricanes. The explanation: most garage doors are not reinforced and heavy winds can get into the garage. When this occurs, a positive push generates inside the garage, and as the winds are whirling above it, this creates a negative pull. With the push-pull combination, this can place a lot of stress on your roof and ultimately it could tear it off your garage. To combat this from happening, the best resolution is to buy a kit that braces your garage door. Although, if time isn't on your side to install a kit, then you can use your car to brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – A common occurrence that's associated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your windows and doors aren't safeguarded this will allow the storm to move in your home. When a storm is imminent, check that your shutters are sturdy and in a working condition. The latches need to be secure and you'll also want to install locks on them. You can also shelter your windows with some OSB if you don't have storm shutters. A common fallacy with window prep is that you can use masking tape on the window; however, this doesn't help at all. Also, make sure your doors are sturdy and that the deadbolts are working correctly. You can also brace your doors for added measure.
- Roof – Your roof acts as your primary defender against Mother Nature, and that's why it's crucial to ensure it's prepared for a hurricane. Search for any out of place shingles and repair them with reliable roofing material, such as roofing cement. You'll also want appropriate irrigation for the pouring rains, so clear out your gutters so the water doesn't pool on your roof. You can then find any wires that are going into your property and seal off any unprotected gaps to stop water damage from occurring. Lastly, evaluate whether it's required to fasten your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – Walking around your outdoor property is another necessary measure you should take. Your shrubs and trees need treatment and might necessitate some pruning. Any dead or loose limbs can be hazardous in windy conditions and could cause a lot of damage to your property. This also consists of items in your yard like patio furniture as well. Transport any loose items to a secure location before the wind can take them.
- Car – Aside from your house, it's necessary to take precautions with your car. Don't park your vehicle beneath any trees or in a spot that floods easily. If you rely on street parking, you should really be tentative of where you park. In addition, do some prep work as well, like: ensuring your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires aren't worn out and that your windows are sealed correctly.
