How to Safeguard Your Home from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage
Natural disasters can occur without a moment's notice, but hurricanes can at least be detected before they hit your area. Preparation and planning are very important things you can execute when a hurricane approaches. Since your house is one of your most valuable expenses, it's a smart idea to do what you can to avoid the damages that hurricanes can bring to your home and to avoid any storm damage repair. There are a lot of things to keep in mind when preparing your home for a hurricane. To secure your home from a hurricane, follow the steps below.Things to Plan When a Hurricane Is En Route
- Garage Door – Believe it or not, your garage is actually one of the most susceptible spots when it comes to heavy storms such as hurricanes. The explanation: most garage doors are not supported and strong winds can get into the garage. When this happens, you get a positive push inside the garage, and as the winds are whirling above your structure, this creates a negative pull. A push-pull combination develops, and this can place a lot of stress on your roof and ultimately tear it off. To combat this from taking place, the best resolution is to buy a kit that supports your garage door. Although, if it's too late to install a kit, then you can utilize your automobile to brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – A typical occurrence that's associated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your windows and doors aren't safeguarded this will allow the wind and rain to move in your house. Before the storm reaches your location, check that your shutters are sturdy and in a working condition. The latches on your shutters should be strong and you'll also want to install locks on them. If you don't have shutters for your windows, then you can board them up with some OSB. A typical misconception with window prep is that you can use masking tape on the window; however, this doesn't help at all. Additionally, verify that your doors are durable and that the deadbolts are working correctly. You can also use braces on your doors for added measure.
- Roof – Your roof is a primary defense against Mother Nature, and that's why it's vital to ensure it's ready for a hurricane. Search for any loose shingles and mend them with roofing concrete. You'll also want proper irrigation for the pouring rains, so clear out your gutters so the water doesn't concentrate on your roof. You can then find any wires that are going into your home and seal off any threatening gaps to block water damage from happening. Finally, figure out whether it's imperative to fasten your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – It's significant to clear your lawn of any loose items such as children's toys, garden accessories and patio furniture. If the item can be lifted from a strong wind storm, then clear it out and put it in a safe location so it doesn't cause damage to your home and others' around you. Additionally, inspect your trees for any dead or loose limbs and trim them if they need it.
- Car – When you're concerned about securing your house from a hurricane, it's easy to forget about your vehicle. Make sure that your car is filled with gas, that your tires have good tread, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are working. If you have to park on the street, you'll want to check that you're not parked under any trees or in an area that is vulnerable to flooding.
