A Homeowners Guide to Securing a House from a Hurricane
Natural disasters can develop without a moment's notice, but hurricanes can at least be identified prior to hitting your location. Hurricane season is a time for planning. Because your house is one of your biggest expenses, it's a smart idea to do what you can to prevent the perils that hurricanes can bring to your property and to prevent any storm damage repair. There are lots of things to check up on when preparing your house for the big storm. To defend your house from a hurricane, use the methods listed below.Hurricane Prevention Checklist
- Garage Door – In fact, your garage is really one of the more susceptible spots when it comes to extreme storms such as hurricanes. The logic behind it: the average garage door is not reinforced and heavy winds can get into the area. When this occurs, a positive push generates in the garage, and as the winds are whirling above it, this causes a negative pull. With the push-pull combo, this can place a lot of pressure on your roof and ultimately tear it off. To prevent this from happening, the best resolution is to buy a kit that braces your garage door. Although, if time isn't on your side to install a kit, then you can use your vehicle to brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – A typical incidence that's correlated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your doors and windows aren't safeguarded this will allow the wind and rain to get into your house. When a hurricane is approaching, make sure your shutters are durable and in a functional condition. The latches on your shutters should be secure and it may be necessary to put additional locks on them. You can also shelter your windows with some OSB if you don't have storm shutters. A typical fallacy with window prep is that you can tape up the window; however, this doesn't help at all. Also, ensure your doors are durable and that the deadbolts are functioning properly. You can also brace your doors for added measure.
- Roof – Your roof is a number one defense against the elements, and that's why it's vital to make sure it's ready for hurricane season. Search for any out of place shingles and fix them with the proper roofing material like roofing cement. You'll also want irrigation for the pouring rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn't concentrate on your roof. You can then locate any wires that are entering into your property and seal off any vulnerable gaps to block water damage from occurring. At last, assess whether it's required to attach your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – Your lawn can be a number one risk when a hurricane comes through. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be picked from the extreme wind and be launched into your house and your neighbor's too. Make sure to relocate any garden accessories, children's toys, patio furniture and BBQs to an area out of harm's way. One other thing you need to do is trim back any dangling or dead branches from your trees and shrubs.
- Car – When you're caught up in safeguarding your home from a hurricane, it's understandable that you forget about your car. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas, that your tires are in good condition, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are good. If you have to park on the street, you'll want to make sure that you're not parked under trees or in an area that is prone to flooding.
