How to Safeguard Your Home from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage
Natural disasters can materialize without a moment's notice, but hurricanes can at least be discovered prior to hitting your location. Preparation and planning are the most effective things you can execute when a hurricane approaches. Since your home is one of your biggest investments, it's a good idea to do what you can to avoid the perils that hurricanes can bring to your property and to avoid any storm damage repair. There are many things to keep in mind when prepping your residence for a hurricane. To defend your residence from a hurricane, follow the steps below.Things to Prepare When a Hurricane Is En Route
- Garage Door – If you have a garage, this should be one of the first things you need to prep. Strong winds can penetrate the standard residential garage door because they're not installed with the needed support. What can take place is the wind will create a positive push inside your garage, and the wind outside of it causes a negative pull. When this happens, your roof and garage will sustain a lot of stress because of this tug-of-war situation. To avoid an excessive storm damage repair, you can purchase a kit that will help your garage door resist hurricane conditions. This is the most effective step, but if you don't have the time to install a kit, then you can use your vehicle to help brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the most frequent hardships associated with hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren't protected this will allow the wind and rain to get into your home. When a hurricane is imminent, make sure your shutters are durable and in a functional condition. The latches should be strong and it may be necessary to put additional locks on them. If your residence doesn't have storm shutters for your windows, then you can cover them up with some OSB. A common fallacy with window prep is that you can place masking tape on the window; but this doesn't help at all. Additionally, confirm that your doors are sturdy and that the deadbolts are working right. You can also install braces on your doors for added measure.
- Roof – A roof checkup is crucial, and you should locate for any loose shingles and other vulnerable spots. You can use roof cement to secure any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to ensure your roof is secure to your house. Additionally, you'll want to seal any spots where wires come into your home to avoid any water damage from occurring. In the course of your roof analysis, this is a good time to see if your gutters are cleaned out. Proper irrigation is vital for water run-off during the hurricane.
- Your Property – The exterior of your property can be a number one threat when a hurricane comes through. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be picked from the high wind and be flung into your house and your neighbor's as well. Make sure to relocate any children's toys, patio furniture, BBQs and garden accessories to a place out of harm's way. One other thing you'll want to do is remove any loose or dead limbs from your trees and shrubs.
- Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you're prepping your house for a storm. But it's just as critical to get your vehicle ready as well, so make sure you have: your gas tank filled, working windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed properly. Also, be cognizant of where you park your vehicle, especially if you park on the street. Check that your vehicle isn't beneath any trees or in a location that's prone to flooding.
