Hurricane Defense – Bracing Your Property from Potential Disaster
Natural disasters can materialize at any time, but hurricanes can at least be detected prior to hitting your area. When it's hurricane season, it's necessary to do some preparation. Since your home is one of your most valuable expenses, it's a good idea to do what you can to prevent the damages that hurricanes can bring to your home and to avoid any storm damage repair. There are lots of things to check up on when preparing your house for the ensuing storm. To secure your house from a hurricane, use the steps below.Hurricane Planning Checklist - Best Steps to Prevent Storm Damage
- Garage Door – To avoid any extreme storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the primary things to take care. A lot of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren't installed to combat hurricane conditions, so it's essential to purchase a brace kit. Through supporting your garage door, you'll block the winds that cause a positive push in your garage. This is integral since the winds that develop outside will generate a negative pull above your garage. When this occurs, you'll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of stress on your roof and garage. Supporting your garage door with braces is the most effective method to prevent excessive damage. But, if it's too late to install the garage door kit, you can use your car to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the most frequent hardships associated with hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren't secure this will allow the storm to get into your home. Before the storm hits, make sure your shutters are sturdy and in a functional condition. The latches on your shutters need to be secure and it may be necessary to put additional locks on them. Boarding up your windows is also an effective method if you don't have storm shutters. One wrong impression that's been taught for window preparation is that you can tape up the window; but this won't protect it at all. Additionally, ensure your doors are in strong condition and that the deadbolts are functioning properly. You can also brace your doors for extra security.
- Roof – Your roof acts as your number one protector against the elements, and that's why it's important to ensure it's prepared for a hurricane. Look out for any loose shingles and mend them with the proper roofing material like roofing cement. You'll also want suitable 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 home and seal off any threatening gaps to block water damage from happening. At last, check whether it's critical to secure your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – It's important to clear your property of any loose items like children's toys, garden accessories and patio furniture. If the item can be lifted from a heavy gust of wind, then clear it out and put it in a safe location so it doesn't cause damage to your home and others' around you. Additionally, inspect your trees for any dead or loose limbs and trim them if they need it.
- Car – Your car can easily be forgotten when you're prepping your property for a storm. But it's just as critical to get your car ready too, so make sure you have: your gas tank filled, working windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed. Also, be attentive of where you park your car, especially if you park on the street. Check that your vehicle isn't beneath any trees or in a location that's vulnerable to floods.
