Hurricane Protection – Bracing Your House from Probable Disaster
Flooding, ruined structures and water damage are the usual scenarios for a post-hurricane environment. However, there are some fundamental precautions you can execute in order to avoid these scenarios and any major storm damage repairs. It's imperative to do anything you can to secure your home from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors secure. Listed below are things to keep in mind while securing your property against the elements.Ways to Plan for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – If your property has a garage, this should be one of the first things to take care of. Strong winds can get through the standard residential garage door because they're not built with the needed support. What can take place is the wind will generate a positive push in your garage, and the wind outside of it causes a negative pull. When this occurs, your roof and garage will endure a lot of stress because of this tug-of-war situation. To prevent an excessive storm damage restoration, you can buy braces that will help your garage door hold off hurricane conditions. This is the most trustworthy step, but if you don't have the time to install a kit, then you can use your vehicle to help brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Doors and windows are another entry-point for a hurricane to cause disruption. Defective windows will allow wind and rain to enter into your home, and this can cause water damage problems. When a hurricane is on the way, make sure you lock and secure your windows. If you have storm shutters installed, make sure they are functioning and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep possible damage out of your home. Additionally, remember that sticking masking tape on your windows doesn't do anything to secure them. Concerning your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locks to make sure they don't fly open during strong winds.
- Roof – Your roof acts as your primary defender against the elements, and that's why it's important to make sure it's prepared for hurricane season. Search for any damaged shingles and fix them with roofing concrete. You'll also want irrigation for the pouring rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn't accumulate on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are going into your home and seal off any vulnerable gaps to block water damage from occurring. Finally, check whether it's necessary to protect your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – Have a walk around your property before the storm hits. Your trees and shrubs need treatment and might require some trimming. Any loose or dead limbs can be dangerous in high winds and could cause excessive damage to your home. This goes for items in your yard such as patio furniture too. Move any items that aren't secured to the ground or weighed down to a safe location before the wind takes them away.
- Car – Along with your home, you should also take preventative measures with your vehicle. Don't park your car beneath any trees or in an area that is vulnerable to flooding. If you keep your car on the street, you should really be tentative of where you park during a hurricane. Additionally, prepare your car, like: making sure your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires aren't worn out and that your windows are sealed properly.
