A Homeowners Guide to Protecting a Home from a Hurricane
Flooding, structural destruction and water damage are the typical scenarios for a post-hurricane environment. Yet, there are some essential approaches you can take in order to prevent these incidents and any excessive storm damage repairs. It's important to do anything you can to secure your home from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors safe. Below is a list of methods to keep in mind when prepping your home against the elements.Essential Methods in Hurricane Precautions
- Garage Door – Believe it or not, your garage is really one of the more vulnerable places when it comes to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes. The reason why: the average garage door is not supported and heavy winds can get into the garage. When this occurs, you get a positive push in the garage, and as the winds are churning above it, this creates a negative pull. With the push-pull combo, this can place a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually it could rip it off your garage. To prevent this from happening, the best method is to purchase a kit that supports your garage door. But if time isn't on your side to put in a garage door kit, then you can utilize your automobile to brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – A typical incidence that's associated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your doors and windows aren't safeguarded this will allow the wind and rain to move in your house. Before the storm reaches your area, make sure your shutters are sturdy and in a working condition. The latches on your shutters need to be strong and it may be necessary to install locks on them. Boarding up your windows is also a great idea if you don't have shutters. A typical misconception with window prep is that you can tape up the window; however, this doesn't secure it at all. Additionally, make sure your doors are sturdy and that the deadbolts are working right. You can also brace your doors for extra defense.
- Roof – Make sure to inspect your roof for any damaged shingles and other vulnerable areas. You can use roof cement to mend any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to make sure your roof is secure to your house. Also, it's a good idea to seal any areas where wires enter into your house to avoid any water damage from occurring. During your roof inspection, check to see if your gutters are congested. You want to ensure you have appropriate irrigation for the heavy rains that happen during a hurricane.
- Your Property – It's significant to clear your lawn of any loose items like garden accessories, patio furniture and children's toys. If the item can be lifted from a strong wind storm, then clear it out and put it in a safe area so it doesn't cause damage to your house and others' around you. Additionally, inspect your trees and shrubbery for any dead or loose branches and trim them if they need it.
- Car – When you're concerned about securing your home from a hurricane, it's understandable that you forget about your vehicle. Make sure that your vehicle is filled with gas, that your tires aren't worn down, the windows are sealed and that your windshield wipers are good. If you park your automobile on the street, you'll want to verify that you're not parked under trees or in a location that is prone to flooding.
