Hurricane Defense – Prepping Your Home from Possible Damage
Damage generated by hurricanes can be devastating for your property. The strong winds can shatter windows, tear apart roofs and knock over trees. Your property is also exposed to water damage from downpours. However, there are approaches you can take to safeguard your property from heavy storms. Follow the practices listed below to assure you, your family and your residence is safeguarded from a hurricane and to prevent extreme storm damage restoration.Fundamental Steps in Hurricane Preparation
- Garage Door – To avoid any extreme storm damage repairs, your garage door should be one of the primary things to check for. Most of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren't designed to defend against hurricane conditions, so it's critical to buy a brace kit. By supporting your garage door, you'll fight against the winds that generate a positive push in your space. This is crucial because the winds that develop outside will generate a negative pull over your garage. When this occurs, you'll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of stress on your roof and garage. Supporting your garage door with braces is the most efficient method to prevent major damage. But, if don't have the time to install braces, you can use your vehicle to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – The other vulnerable areas in your residence are your entrances like your doors and windows. Busted windows will allow rain and wind to move through your property, and this can lead to water damage issues. When a storm is on the way, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters, ensure they are closed and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep potential damage out of your home. Also, keep in mind that placing masking tape on your windows won't defend them at all. As for your doors, utilize the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to ensure they don't pop open during heavy winds.
- Roof – Your roof acts as a number one defense against Mother Nature, and that's why it's important to ensure it's prepared for a hurricane. Locate any loose shingles and mend them with reliable roofing material, such as roofing cement. You'll also want irrigation for the heavy rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn't concentrate on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are going into your property and seal off any unprotected gaps to prevent water damage from happening. Lastly, check whether it's imperative to protect your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – It's essential to clear your property of any loose items like patio furniture, children's toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If the item can be picked up from a strong wind storm, then relocate it to a safe location so it doesn't cause damage to your property and others' around you. Furthermore, examine 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 protecting your home for a storm. But it's a great idea to get your car ready as well, so make sure you have: your gas tank filled, working windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed properly. Furthermore, be vigilant of where you park your car, especially if you park on the street. Check that your vehicle isn't beneath any trees or in an area that's prone to floods.
