How to Safeguard Your Home from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage
Damages caused from hurricanes can be destructive for your home. The extreme weather conditions can impair any home, such as shatter windows, tear apart roofs and knock over trees and shrubs. Your home is also exposed to water damage from the constant rain. Nevertheless, there are preventative measures you can take to protect your property from strong weather conditions. Follow the approaches listed below to make sure you, your family and your home is protected from a hurricane and to prevent the need for storm damage restoration.Essential Steps in Hurricane Preparation
- Garage Door – If your home has a garage, this may be one of the first things you need to take care of. Strong winds can penetrate the typical residential garage door because they're not installed with the needed support. What can happen is the wind will bring about a positive push in your garage, and the wind outside of it creates a negative pull. When this happens, your roof and garage will sustain a lot of pressure because of this push-pull instance. To avoid an excessive storm damage restoration, you can buy braces that will help your garage door withstand hurricane conditions. This is the most effective method, but if you don't have the time to install a kit, then you can use your car to help brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Damaged windows don't only allow the rain to get into your home, but the wind that blows through can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to significant structural damage. Storm shutters are an efficient method to protect your home during a storm. When a storm is on its way, ensure the latches on your shutters are functioning correctly and you may want to consider installing additional locks for added protection. You can also board up your windows if you don't have shutters, but it's vital to note that putting masking tape on your windows won't do anything to defend your property from a hurricane. When your windows are secure, check your doors next. Make sure they're durable and that the deadbolts are in working order.
- Roof – Your roof is your primary defender against the elements, and that's why it's important to ensure it's ready for a hurricane. Search for any out of place shingles and fix them with roofing concrete. You'll also want appropriate irrigation for the pouring rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn't accumulate on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are going into your property and seal off any susceptible gaps to block water damage from happening. At last, evaluate whether it's imperative to attach your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – The land outside of your property can be a primary 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 hurled into your home and your neighbor's too. Make sure to relocate any garden accessories, children's toys, patio furniture and BBQs to a place out of harm's way. Another thing you need to do is trim back any dangling or dead branches from your trees and shrubs.
- Car – Aside from your home, you should also take precautions with your car. Don't park your car under any trees or in an area that is prone to flooding. If you keep your car on the street, you should really be careful of where you park. In addition, do some prep work too, 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 correctly.
