Hurricane Protection – Preparing Your Home from Potential Damage
Damages caused from hurricanes can be disastrous for your home. The extreme weather conditions can harm any home, such as break windows, tear apart roofs and uproot trees. Your home is also exposed to water damage and flooding from downpours. However, there are precautions you can take to defend your home from heavy storms. Follow the practices listed below to assure you, your family and your house is protected from a hurricane and to avoid excessive storm damage repairs.Fundamental Steps in Hurricane Preparation
- Garage Door – Start with your garage if your residence has one, because this is one of the most susceptible areas for storm damage. Most garage doors don't have the support to brace high winds. What can happen is the wind will generate a positive push in your garage, and the wind outside of the structure creates a negative pull. When this happens, your garage and roof will endure a lot of stress because of this tug-of-war situation. To prevent an excessive storm damage repair, you can purchase braces that will help your garage door resist hurricane conditions. This is the most efficient method, but if you don't have the time to install a kit, then you can use your car to help support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the most frequent impairments tied to hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren't secure 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 on your shutters should be secure and it may be necessary to install locks on them. If your house doesn't have storm shutters for your windows, then you can cover them up with some OSB. One wrong impression that's been taught for window preparation is that you can tape up the window; however, this won't defend it at all. Also, make sure your doors are durable and that the deadbolts are functioning correctly. You can also brace your doors for extra security.
- Roof – Your roof acts as a primary defense against Mother Nature, and that's why it's crucial to make sure it's prepared for hurricane season. Locate any loose shingles and fix them with roofing concrete. You'll also want good irrigation for the pouring rains, so clean out your gutters so the water doesn't accumulate on your roof. You can then find any wires that are going into your home and seal off any vulnerable gaps to prevent water damage from happening. Lastly, assess whether it's imperative to attach your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – The outside of your property can be a primary risk when a hurricane comes through. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be picked from the extreme wind and be thrown into your house and your neighbor's as well. Walk around your yard and move any children's toys, patio furniture, BBQs and garden accessories to a location safe from the storm. One other thing you need to do is cut back any loose or dead branches from your trees and shrubs.
- Car – When you're worried about safeguarding your residence from a hurricane, it's understandable that you forget about your automobile. Make sure that your car is filled with gas, that your tires have good tread, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are good. If you park your car on the street, you'll want to verify that you're not parked under any trees or in an area that is susceptible to flooding.
