How to Safeguard Your House from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage

Damages generated from hurricanes can be disastrous for your house. The extreme weather conditions can impair any house, such as break windows, separate roofs and uproot trees. Your house is also vulnerable to water damage from downpours. Nevertheless, there are preventative measures you can take to secure your property from strong storms. Follow the practices listed below to make sure you, your family and your residence is safeguarded from a hurricane and to avoid excessive storm damage repairs.

Necessary Approaches in Hurricane Preparation

  • Garage Door – To avoid any extreme storm damage repairs, your garage door should be one of the first things to take care. Most of the garage doors on the market aren't designed to combat hurricane conditions, so it's critical to buy a support kit. Through bracing your garage door, you'll fight against the winds that cause a positive push in your garage. This is important because the winds outside will cause a negative pull above your garage. When this occurs, you'll get a tug-of-war scenario which puts a lot of pressure on your garage and roof. Supporting your garage door with braces is an effective method to avoid major damage. However, if it's too late to install the garage door kit, you can use your car to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Busted windows don't only allow the rain to get into your house, but the wind that comes in can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive structural damage. Storm shutters are an efficient way to protect your residence during a hurricane. When a storm is on its way, ensure the latches on your shutters are functioning properly and you may want to think about adding additional locks for added protection. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don't have shutters, but it's crucial to note that putting masking tape on your windows won't do anything in a heavy storm. After your windows are secure, move to your doors next. Verify that they're reliable and that the deadbolts are in working order.
  • Roof – Make sure to check out your roof for any damaged shingles and other vulnerable spots. Get some roof cement to mend any loose shingles, and you should consider hurricane straps to ensure your roof is secure to your house. Additionally, you'll want to seal any spots where wires come into your house to avoid any water damage from happening. While you're inspecting your roof, check to see if your gutters are clogged. You want to verify you have appropriate irrigation for the heavy rains that happen during a hurricane.
  • Your Property – It's significant to clear your yard of any loose items like garden accessories, patio furniture and children's toys. If it can be lifted from a heavy gust of wind, then relocate it to a safe location so it doesn't cause damage to your property and others' around you. Additionally, inspect your trees for any dangling or dead branches and trim them if necessary.
  • Car – Aside from your property, it's necessary to take preventative measures with your car. Don't park your car beneath any trees or in a spot that floods easily. If you rely on street parking, you should really be tentative of where you park. In addition, prepare your car, like: ensuring your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are in good condition, your tires aren't worn out and that your windows are sealed properly.

Get Storm Damage Repair Services for Your House with Paul Davis

Despite all the preventative measures you take in protecting your residence, there is only so much you can do against storm damages. If your home experiences damage caused by a hurricane, reach out to the experts at Paul Davis. Our storm damage restoration and remediation services will get your home back to normal again. We also work with a variety of insurance companies and we can help you determine if your damage is covered. Reach out to Paul Davis today at (403)342-4666 to find a franchise near your location.