How to Secure Your House from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage
Damages caused from hurricanes can be disastrous for your home. The extreme weather conditions can impair any home, such as shatter windows, separate roofs and knock over trees. Your home is also exposed to water damage from the constant rain. Still, there are precautions you can take to defend your home from strong weather conditions. Follow the methods listed below to ensure you, your family and your property is protected from a hurricane and to avoid the need for storm damage repairs.Things to Plan When a Hurricane Is En Route
- Garage Door – In fact, your garage is actually one of the most vulnerable spots when it comes to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. The reason why: the average garage door is not supported and strong winds can get into the area. When this happens, you get a positive push inside the garage, and as the winds are churning above it, this creates a negative pull. A push-pull combination develops, and this can place a lot of stress on your roof and ultimately tear it off. To combat this from happening, the best technique is to purchase a kit that braces your garage door. But if it's too late to put in a garage door kit, then you can use your automobile to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Doors and windows are another entry-point for a hurricane to create disruption. Defective windows will allow wind and rain to move through your home, and this can cause water damage problems. When a hurricane is imminent, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters, ensure they are closed and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep probable destruction out of your residence. Also, remember that placing masking tape on your windows doesn't do anything to protect them. Concerning your doors, lock the deadbolts or any other locks to make sure they don't pop open during strong winds.
- Roof – Make sure to inspect your roof for any out of place shingles and other vulnerable spots. Get some roof cement to repair any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to ensure your roof is fastened to your home. Also, it's a good idea to seal any areas where wires come into your house to avoid any water damage from occurring. While you're inspecting your roof, this is a good time to see if your gutters are cleaned out. You want to confirm you have proper irrigation for the pouring rain that occur during a hurricane.
- Your Property – It's essential to clear your lawn of any loose items like garden accessories, patio furniture and children's toys. If the item can be lifted from a strong wind storm, then relocate it to a secure location so it doesn't cause damage to your home and others' around you. Furthermore, examine your trees for any dangling or dead branches and trim them if they need it.
- Car – When you're caught up in protecting your home from a hurricane, it's understandable that you forget about your vehicle. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas, that your tires have good tread, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are good. If you have to park on the street, you'll want to make sure that you're not parked under trees or in an area that is vulnerable to floods.
