How to Secure Your House from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage
Water damage, flooding and ruined structures are the common incidents for a post-hurricane environment. Nevertheless, there are a few fundamental approaches you can take in order to prevent these incidents and any excessive storm damage repairs. It's imperative to do whatever you can to defend your home from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors secure. Below is a list of methods to keep in mind when protecting your property against Mother Nature.Things to Keep in Mind When a Hurricane Approaches
- Garage Door – To prevent any extreme storm damage repairs, your garage door should be one of the first things to check for. Most of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren't installed to combat hurricane conditions, so it's important to buy a support kit. Through bracing your garage door, you'll have defense against the winds that generate a positive push in your garage. This is important since the winds outside will cause a negative pull above your garage. When this occurs, you'll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of stress on your garage and roof. Supporting your garage door with braces is an effective way to avoid major damage. However, if it's too late to install the garage door kit, you can use your vehicle to brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Busted windows don't only allow the rain to get into your home, but the wind that comes in can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive damage to your structure. Storm shutters are an effective way to protect your property during a storm. When a hurricane is looming, ensure the latches on your shutters are functioning correctly and you may want to think about installing additional locks for added security. You can also board up your windows if you don't have shutters, but it's important to note that putting masking tape on your windows won't do anything in a heavy storm. When your windows are secure, move to your doors next. Make sure they're strong and that the deadbolts are in working order.
- Roof – Your roof acts as your main protector against Mother Nature, and that's why it's important to ensure it's ready for hurricane season. Locate any damaged shingles and mend them with roofing concrete. You'll also want good irrigation for the strong rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn't pool on your roof. You can then find any wires that are going into your home and seal off any exposed gaps to prevent water damage from happening. At last, judge whether it's required to secure your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – The land outside of your property can be a primary threat when a hurricane hits your town. Any loose items could be lifted from the extreme wind and be launched into your home and your neighbor's as well. Walk around your yard and move any children's toys, patio furniture, BBQs and garden accessories to a place out of harm's way. Another thing you'll want to do is remove any loose or dead limbs from your shrubs and trees.
- Car – Your car can easily be forgotten when you're protecting your property for a hurricane. But it's just as critical to get your car ready as well, so check that you have: a full tank of gas, working windshield wipers, good tires and your windows sealed properly. Furthermore, be conscious of where you park your car, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your vehicle isn't beneath any trees or in an area that's vulnerable to flooding.
