Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane - Avoid Storm Damage Repair
Damage caused by hurricanes can be disastrous for your home. The extreme weather conditions can harm any home, such as smash windows, tear apart roofs and uproot trees and shrubs. Your home is also susceptible to water damage and flooding from downpours. Yet, there are approaches you can take to protect your house from heavy storms. Follow the guidelines below to assure you, your family and your house is secure from a hurricane and to prevent extreme storm damage repairs.Necessary Steps in Hurricane Precautions
- Garage Door – In fact, your garage is really one of the more susceptible places when it comes to heavy storms like hurricanes. The reason why: most garage doors are 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 swirling above your structure, this causes a negative pull. With the push-pull combination, this can put a lot of stress on your roof and ultimately it could tear it off your garage. To avoid this from taking place, the best method is to buy a kit that braces your garage door. But if it's too late to put in a garage door kit, then you can use your automobile to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Broken windows don't only allow the rain to get into your residence, but the wind that comes in can increase the pressure under your roof, which can lead to significant structural damage. Storm shutters are a great approach to protect your house during a storm. When a hurricane is imminent, ensure the latches are working correctly and you may want to consider installing additional locks for added security. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don't have shutters, but it's vital to note that placing masking tape on your windows won't do anything in a heavy storm. After your windows are protected, move to your doors next. Make sure they're sturdy and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
- Roof – Your roof acts as your number one defender against Mother Nature, and that's why it's vital to ensure it's ready for a hurricane. Search for any loose shingles and fix them with roofing concrete. You'll also want irrigation for the pouring rains, so clear out your gutters so the water doesn't pool on your roof. You can then locate any wires that are going into your house and seal off any threatening gaps to stop water damage from happening. Finally, judge whether it's required to fasten your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – Your yard can be a primary hazard when a hurricane hits your town. Any loose items could be picked from the high wind and be propelled into your residence and your neighbor's too. Walk around your lawn and 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 trim back any loose or dead branches from your shrubs and trees.
- Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you're securing your property for a hurricane. But it's just as critical to get your vehicle ready too, so make sure you have: a full tank of gas, good windshield wipers, good tires and your windows sealed properly. Also, be cautious of where you park your vehicle, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your car isn't under any trees or in an area that's prone to flooding.
