Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane - Storm Damage Prevention
Natural disasters can occur without a moment's notice, but hurricanes can at least be detected prior to hitting your location. Planning and preparing are very effective things you can do when a hurricane approaches. Because your house is one of your most valuable investments, it's a smart idea to do what you can to avoid the perils that hurricanes can bring to your property and to avoid any storm damage restoration. There are lots of things to check up on when prepping your home for the ensuing storm. To safeguard your home from a hurricane, use the methods listed below.Hurricane Precaution Checklist - Best Methods to Avoid Storm Damage
- Garage Door – To avoid any major storm damage repairs, your garage door should be one of the first things to take care. Most of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren't installed to combat hurricane conditions, so it's important to purchase a brace kit. Through supporting your garage door, you'll prevent the winds that cause a positive push in your garage. This is critical since the winds outside will create a negative pull above your garage. When this happens, you'll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of pressure on your roof and garage. Supporting your garage door with braces is an effective approach to avoid excessive damage. But, if don't have the time to install braces, you can use your automobile to brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – The other susceptible areas in your home are your entrances such as your windows and doors. Shattered windows will allow wind and rain to move through your property, and this can cause water damage issues. When a storm is imminent, make sure you lock and secure your windows. If you have storm shutters, ensure 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 residence. Additionally, remember that placing masking tape on your windows won't secure them at all. Concerning your doors, lock the deadbolts or any other locks to verify they don't fly open during heavy wind gusts.
- Roof – Your roof acts as your primary protector against the elements, and that's why it's vital to ensure it's ready for a hurricane. Locate any out of place 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 pool on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are going into your property and seal off any threatening gaps to stop water damage from happening. Finally, figure out whether it's crucial to secure your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – It's significant to clear your yard of any loose items such as garden accessories, patio furniture and children's toys. If it can be lifted from a heavy gust of wind, then clear it out and put it in a secure location so it doesn't cause damage to your property and others' around you. Furthermore, inspect your trees and shrubbery for any dead or loose limbs and trim them if they need it.
- Car – Your car can easily be forgotten when you're securing your home for a storm. But it's important to get your car ready as well, so make sure you have: your gas tank filled, good windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed properly. Also, be aware of where you park your car, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your car isn't under any trees or in an area that's susceptible to flooding.
