A Homeowners Guide to Defending a House from a Hurricane
Damage caused by hurricanes can be destructive for your property. The extreme weather conditions can impair any property like smash windows, tear apart roofs and uproot trees and shrubs. Your property is also vulnerable to water damage and flooding from downpours. Still, there are precautions you can take to protect your home from strong weather conditions. Follow the methods listed below to ensure you, your family and your house is defended from a hurricane and to prevent the need for storm damage repairs.Fundamental Approaches in Hurricane Preparation
- Garage Door – If you have a garage, this should be one of the first things you need to take care of. Most garage doors don't have the support to fight strong winds. What can happen is the wind will bring about a positive push in your garage, and the wind outside of it causes a negative pull. When this takes place, your roof and garage will sustain a lot of stress because of this tug-of-war instance. To defend from an excessive storm damage restoration, you can buy a kit that will help your garage door hold off hurricane conditions. This is the most effective method, but if time isn't on your side, then you can use your vehicle to help brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the most frequent perils tied to hurricanes, and when your windows and doors aren't safeguarded this will allow the wind and rain to get into your home. Before the storm hits, make sure your shutters are sturdy and in a working condition. The latches need to be stable and it may be necessary to install locks on them. If you don't have shutters for your windows, then you can board them up. A typical fallacy with window prep is that you can tape up the window; but this won't help at all. Additionally, make sure your doors are in good condition and that the deadbolts are working correctly. You can also brace your doors for added measure.
- Roof – Your roof acts as a number one defense against the elements, and that's why it's important to ensure it's ready for hurricane season. Search for any loose shingles and repair them with the proper roofing material like roofing cement. You'll also want suitable irrigation for the heavy rains, so clean out your gutters so the water doesn't concentrate on your roof. You can then locate any wires that are entering into your home and seal off any vulnerable gaps to prevent water damage from occurring. At last, figure out whether it's critical to attach your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – It's essential to clear your property of any loose items like patio furniture, children's toys and other miscellaneous garden items. 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. Additionally, examine your trees for any dangling or dead limbs and trim them if necessary.
- Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you're protecting your home for a hurricane. 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, good tires and your windows sealed properly. In addition, be conscious of where you park, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your car isn't beneath any trees or in a location that's susceptible to flooding.
