Hurricane Defense – Preparing Your Home from Potential Damage
Damage produced from hurricanes can be destructive for your property. The extreme weather conditions can impair any property like break windows, separate roofs and knock over trees. Your property is also vulnerable to water damage and flooding from downpours. However, there are approaches you can take to defend your property from heavy storms. Follow the guidelines below to ensure you, your family and your house is protected from a hurricane and to avoid extreme storm damage repairs.Necessary Steps in Hurricane Preparation
- Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is actually one of the most vulnerable places when it comes to extreme storms like hurricanes. The logic behind it: the average garage door is not supported and heavy winds can get into the area. When this happens, you get a positive push inside the garage, and as the winds are swirling above your structure, this creates a negative pull. A push-pull combination develops, and this can place a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually rip it off. To avoid this from taking place, the best method 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 vehicle to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – The other susceptible areas in your house are your access points such as your windows and doors. Defective windows will allow rain and wind to enter into your property, and this can lead to water damage problems. When a storm is on the way, make sure you lock and secure your windows. If you have storm shutters installed, ensure they are closed and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep possible damage out of your house. Also, remember that sticking masking tape on your windows won't do anything to defend them. Concerning your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locks to confirm they don't pop open during heavy wind gusts.
- Roof – Make sure to scan your roof for any loose shingles and other vulnerable spots. Get some roof cement to mend any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to ensure your roof is fastened to your house. Also, it's a good idea to seal any spots where wires come into your house to avoid any water damage from happening. In the course of your roof examination, check to see if your gutters are cleaned out. You want to ensure you have suitable irrigation for the heavy rains that occur during a hurricane.
- Your Property – Your lawn can be a number one hazard when a hurricane hits your town. Any loose items could be picked from the extreme wind and be heaved into your house and your neighbor's as well. Walk around your property and move any garden accessories, children's toys, patio furniture and BBQs to a place safe from the storm. One other thing you'll want to do is cut back any loose or dead limbs from your shrubs and trees.
- Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you're securing your property for a storm. But it's just as critical to get your vehicle ready as well, so check that you have: a full tank of gas, working windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed properly. Furthermore, be vigilant of where you park, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your vehicle isn't under any trees or in a location that's vulnerable to flooding.
