How to Secure Your Home from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage

Damages induced by hurricanes can be destructive for your house. The high winds can smash windows, tear apart roofs and uproot trees and shrubs. Your house is also exposed to water damage from downpours. However, there are approaches you can take to safeguard your house from strong weather conditions. Follow the guidelines below to assure you, your family and your house is protected from a hurricane and to prevent extreme storm damage restoration.

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

  • Garage Door – If you have a garage, this might be one of the first things you need to prep. Typically, garage doors don't have the support to combat high winds. What can take place is the wind will generate a positive push inside your garage, and the wind outside of it creates a negative pull. When this occurs, your roof and garage will endure a lot of pressure because of this push-pull situation. To prevent a major storm damage restoration, you can purchase a kit that will help your garage door hold off hurricane conditions. This is the most efficient method, but if you don't have the time to install a kit, then you can use your car to help support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – The other susceptible areas in your house are your entrances like your windows and doors. Defective windows will allow rain and wind to move through your house, and this can cause water damage issues. When a storm is imminent, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters, make sure they are in good condition and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep probable destruction out of your residence. Also, remember that using masking tape on your windows doesn't do anything to protect them. As for your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to ensure they don't fly open during strong winds.
  • Roof – Your roof acts as a number one defense against the elements, and that's why it's vital to make sure it's ready for hurricane season. Locate any loose shingles and mend them with roofing concrete. You'll also want suitable irrigation for the pouring rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn't pool on your roof. You can then locate any wires that are entering into your house and seal off any vulnerable gaps to prevent water damage from occurring. Lastly, judge whether it's crucial to attach your roof with hurricane straps.
  • Your Property – Take a stroll through your lawn prior to the storm. Your trees and shrubs need some treatment and might necessitate some pruning. Any dangling or dead branches can be dangerous in high winds and could cause excessive damage to your house. This also consists of items on your property like patio furniture as well. Transport any loose items to a secure location before the wind takes them away.
  • Car – Aside from your house, you should also take precautions with your car. Don't park your vehicle beneath any trees or in an area that floods easily. If you rely on street parking, you should really be careful of where you park during a hurricane. In addition, do some prep work as well, such as: ensuring your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed correctly.

Paul Davis' Hurricane Damage Cleanup & Restoration Services

Paul Davis offers storm damage repair services, so if your house has been injured by a hurricane, call our professional team. After all, you can only do so much preparation to safeguard yourself from the elements. We can repair and restore your house back to normal, and we work with different insurance agencies. We can help you examine what's covered under your insurance. For a Paul Davis franchise near you, give us a call at (403)342-4666.