A Homeowners Approach to Defending a House from a Hurricane
Natural disasters can strike at any time, but hurricanes can at least be discovered before they hit your location. Hurricane season is a time for planning. Because your home is one of your biggest investments, it's a good idea to do what you can to avoid the damages that hurricanes can bring to your house and to avoid any storm damage restoration. There are a lot of things to check up on when preparing your house for the ensuing storm. To secure your house from a hurricane, follow the approaches listed below.Hurricane Prevention Checklist - Best Approaches to Prevent Storm Damage
- Garage Door – Begin with your garage if your residence has one, because this is one of the more vulnerable sections for storm damage. High winds can penetrate the standard residential garage door because they're not built with the needed support. What can take place is the wind will bring about a positive push inside your garage, and the wind outside of it causes a negative pull. When this happens, your garage and roof will sustain a lot of stress because of this tug-of-war situation. To prevent a major storm damage restoration, you can purchase a kit that will help your garage door fight hurricane conditions. This is the most reliable approach, but if time isn't on your side, then you can use your automobile to help brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – The other problematic areas in your house are your entrances like your windows and doors. Shattered windows will allow rain and wind to move through your house, and this can cause water damage issues. When a hurricane is on the way, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters installed, make sure they are functioning and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep potential damage out of your house. Additionally, keep in mind that sticking masking tape on your windows won't do anything to secure them. Concerning your doors, utilize the deadbolts or any other locks to verify they don't pop open during strong winds.
- Roof – Make sure to check out your roof for any loose shingles and other susceptible spots. 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 home. Additionally, it's a good idea to seal any spots where wires come into your home to avoid any water damage from occurring. In the course of your roof inspection, check to see if your gutters are clear of debris. You want to ensure you have suitable irrigation for the pouring rain that happen during a hurricane.
- Your Property – The outside of your property can be a number one threat when a hurricane approaches. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be lifted from the extreme wind and be hurled into your house and your neighbor's too. Walk around your yard and move any BBQs, garden accessories, children's toys and patio furniture to an area out of harm's way. One other thing you'll want to do is cut back any loose or dead branches from your trees and shrubs.
- Car – Aside from your house, you should also take precautions with your automobile. Don't park your vehicle beneath any trees or in a spot that floods easily. If you keep your vehicle on the street, you should really be cautious of where you park. Furthermore, prepare your vehicle, such as: making sure your tank is full, your windshield wipers are in good condition, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed properly.
