Getting Your Home Ready for a Hurricane - Storm Damage Prevention

Ruined structures, water damage and flooding are the common scenarios for a post-hurricane environment. Nevertheless, there are a few essential precautions you can take in order to avoid these scenarios and any major storm damage repairs. It's important to do whatever you can to secure your house from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors protected. Below is a list of practices to keep in mind when safeguarding your home against Mother Nature.

Hurricane Planning Checklist - Best Methods to Prevent Storm Damage

  • Garage Door – To avoid any major storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the first things to take care. A lot of the garage doors on the market aren't designed to fight hurricane conditions, so it's critical to buy a support kit. By bracing your garage door, you'll fight against the winds that cause a positive push in your garage. This is significant since the winds outside will create a negative pull above your garage. When this occurs, you'll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of pressure on your garage and roof. Getting a brace kit for your garage door is an efficient approach to prevent excessive damage. But, if don't have the time to install braces, you can use your vehicle to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the more common hardships associated with hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren't safeguarded this will allow the wind and rain to move in your home. When a storm is imminent, make sure your shutters are sturdy and in a functional condition. The latches need to be secure and it may be necessary to install locks on them. Boarding up your windows is also an efficient approach if you don't have shutters. One wrong impression that's passed around for window preparation is that you can tape up the window; but this doesn't secure it at all. Additionally, ensure your doors are sturdy and that the deadbolts are functioning correctly. You can also brace your doors for extra defense.
  • Roof – Your roof acts as your primary defender against the elements, and that's why it's critical to ensure it's prepared for hurricane season. Locate any out of place shingles and mend them with the proper roofing material, such as roofing cement. You'll also want appropriate irrigation for the strong rains, so clean out your gutters so the water doesn't accumulate on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are entering into your home and seal off any exposed gaps to block water damage from occurring. Lastly, figure out whether it's crucial to protect your roof with hurricane straps.
  • Your Property – Strolling through your outdoor property is another necessary measure you should take. Your shrubs and trees need consideration and might necessitate some trimming. Any dead or loose branches can be hazardous in high winds and could cause a lot of damage to your home. This also consists of items on your property such as patio furniture too. Transfer any items that aren't secured to the ground or weighed down to a secure place before the wind takes them away.
  • Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you're securing your residence for a hurricane. But it's important to get your vehicle ready too, so check that you have: a full tank of gas, good windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed. Additionally, be conscious of where you park your vehicle, especially if you park on the street. Make sure your vehicle isn't under any trees or in an area that's prone to floods.

Paul Davis' Storm Damage Cleanup & Restoration Services

Regardless of all the precautions you take in protecting your home, there is only so much you can do. If your home succumbs to damage caused by a hurricane, reach out to the experts at Paul Davis. Our storm and hurricane damage restoration and remediation services will get your home back to the condition it was before. We also work with different home insurers and we can help you figure out if your damage is covered. Call us today at (403)342-4666 to find a franchise near you.