Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane - Avoid Storm Damages
Flooding, structural destruction and water damage are the common scenarios for a post-hurricane environment. Yet, there are a few important methods you can take in order to avoid these incidents and any excessive storm damage restorations. It's crucial to do anything you can to defend your property from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors protected. Listed below are methods to keep in mind while prepping your residence against the elements.Hurricane Precaution Checklist
- Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is really one of the more susceptible places when it comes to extreme storms such as hurricanes. The logic behind it: the average garage door is not reinforced and strong winds can get into the garage. When this happens, you get a positive push inside the garage, and as the winds are swirling above it, this creates a negative pull. A push-pull combination develops, and this can put a lot of stress on your roof and ultimately rip it off. To prevent this from taking place, the best approach is to purchase a kit that braces your garage door. But if time isn't on your side to put in a garage door kit, then you can use your car to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Broken windows don't only allow the rain to get into your home, but the wind that blows through can increase the pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive damage to your structure. Storm shutters are an efficient approach to protect your residence during a hurricane. When a storm is on its way, make sure the latches are functioning correctly 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 vital to know that putting 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 strong 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 make sure it's ready for hurricane season. Look out for any damaged shingles and mend them with roofing concrete. You'll also want good irrigation for the pouring rains, so clear out your gutters so the water doesn't concentrate on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are entering into your house and seal off any threatening gaps to prevent water damage from occurring. At last, check whether it's required to fasten your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – The outside of your property can be a primary risk when a hurricane comes through. Any loose items could be lifted from the extreme wind and be hurled into your home and your neighbor's too. Make sure to move any patio furniture, BBQs, garden accessories and children's toys to a location safe from the storm. One other thing you'll want to do is remove any loose or dead branches from your shrubs and trees.
- Car – When you're worried about securing your residence from a hurricane, it's easy to forget about your automobile. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas, that your tires aren't worn down, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are working. If you park your car on the street, you'll want to verify that you're not parked under trees or in an area that is prone to floods.
