Hurricane Defense – Bracing Your House from Potential Disaster
Damage caused by hurricanes can be devastating for your home. The strong winds can shatter windows, tear apart roofs and uproot trees. Your home is also prone to water damage and flooding from downpours. However, there are preventative measures you can take to protect your house from strong storms. Follow the guidelines below to make sure you, your family and your house is defended from a hurricane and to avoid extreme storm damage repairs.Hurricane Preparation Checklist - Best Steps to Avoid Storm Damage
- Garage Door – To avoid any major storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the first things to check for. A lot of the garage doors on the market aren't designed to fight hurricane conditions, so it's essential to buy a brace kit. By supporting your garage door, you'll fight against the winds that cause a positive push in your garage. This is critical since the winds that develop outside will cause a negative pull over your garage. When this happens, you'll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of pressure on your garage and roof. Purchasing a support kit for your garage door is an effective method to avoid major damage. But, if it's too late to install the garage door kit, you can use your car to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Doors and windows are another access-point for a storm to create havoc. Broken windows will allow rain and wind to enter into your house, and this can lead to water damage problems. When a storm is on the way, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters, ensure they are functioning and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep potential damage out of your home. Additionally, remember that using masking tape on your windows won't do anything to protect them. As for your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to verify they don't pop open during strong winds.
- Roof – Your roof acts as a number one defense against Mother Nature, and that's why it's vital to ensure it's ready for a hurricane. Locate any damaged shingles and mend them with reliable roofing material like roofing cement. You'll also want good 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 entering into your house and seal off any unprotected gaps to prevent water damage from happening. At last, check whether it's required to protect your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – It's necessary to clear your lawn of any loose items such as children's toys, garden accessories and patio furniture. If it can be lifted from a strong wind storm, then relocate it to a safe location so it doesn't cause damage to your house and others' around you. Additionally, inspect your trees for any dangling or dead limbs and trim them if necessary.
- Car – Aside from your house, you should also take preventative measures with your car. Don't park your car beneath any trees or in an area that is prone to flooding. If you keep your car on the street, you should really be watchful of where you park during a hurricane. Additionally, prepare your car, such as: making sure your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires aren't worn out and that your windows are sealed properly.
