Getting Your Home Ready for a Hurricane - Storm Damage Prevention
Natural disasters can happen at any time, but hurricanes can at least be detected before they hit your location. Preparation and planning are the most fundamental things you can execute when a hurricane approaches. Because your home is one of your biggest investments, it's a good idea to do what you can to avoid the perils that hurricanes can bring to your home and to prevent any storm damage repair. There are many things to check up on when preparing your home for the ensuing storm. To secure your home from a hurricane, use the steps below.Things to Prepare When a Hurricane Is Scheduled
- Garage Door – In fact, your garage is actually one of the most vulnerable spots when it comes to heavy weather conditions like hurricanes. The explanation: most garage doors are not supported and heavy winds can get into the area. When this occurs, you get a positive push inside the garage, and as the winds are whirling above your structure, this causes a negative pull. With the push-pull combination, this can place a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually tear it off. To combat this from happening, the best resolution is to buy a kit that supports your garage door. Although, if it's too late to put in a garage door kit, then you can utilize your car to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Doors and windows are another entry-point for a storm to cause a catastrophe. Busted windows will allow wind and rain to move through your home, and this can lead to water damage issues. When a storm is imminent, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters installed, make sure they are in good condition and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep possible damage out of your residence. Additionally, remember that placing masking tape on your windows doesn't do anything to protect them. Regarding your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locks to make sure they don't pop open during heavy winds.
- Roof – Your roof acts as a primary defense against Mother Nature, and that's why it's crucial to make sure it's ready for a hurricane. Search for any out of place shingles and fix them with reliable roofing material like roofing cement. You'll also want irrigation for the pouring rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn't accumulate on your roof. You can then locate any wires that are entering into your home and seal off any unprotected gaps to stop water damage from happening. Finally, figure out whether it's crucial to attach your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – It's important to clear your lawn of any loose items such as garden accessories, patio furniture and children's toys. If the item can be picked up from a heavy gust of wind, then clear it out and put it in a safe area so it doesn't cause damage to your home and others' around you. Additionally, inspect your trees and shrubbery for any dangling or dead limbs and trim them if they need it.
- Car – When you're concerned about protecting your residence 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 sealed and that your windshield wipers are good. If you park your car on the street, you'll want to make sure that you're not parked under trees or in an area that is susceptible to floods.
