How to Safeguard Your Home from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage
Damage caused by hurricanes can be disastrous for your residence. The high winds can smash windows, tear apart roofs and uproot trees and shrubs. Your residence is also prone to water damage from the constant rain. However, there are precautions you can take to protect your home from heavy weather conditions. Follow the practices listed below to assure you, your family and your residence is secure from a hurricane and to avoid extreme storm damage repairs.Essential Approaches in Hurricane Precautions
- Garage Door – If you have a garage, this may be one of the first things to prep. Typically, garage doors don't have the support to brace strong winds. What can happen is the wind will produce a positive push inside your garage, and the wind outside of it causes a negative pull. When this occurs, your roof and garage will undergo a lot of stress because of this push-pull instance. To prevent an excessive storm damage repair, you can purchase a kit that will help your garage door fight hurricane conditions. This is the most effective approach, but if you don't have the time to install a kit, then you can use your vehicle to help brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – A common occurrence that's associated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your doors and windows aren't protected this will allow the wind and rain to get into your house. When a storm is approaching, check that your shutters are durable and in a functional condition. The latches on your shutters should be stable and it may be necessary to put additional locks on them. Boarding up your windows is also a great idea if you don't have storm shutters. A common misconception 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 correctly. You can also brace your doors for added measure.
- Roof – Your roof is your number one defender against the elements, and that's why it's important to ensure it's prepared for hurricane season. Look out for any out of place shingles and repair them with reliable roofing material, such as roofing cement. You'll also want good irrigation for the strong rains, so clear out your gutters so the water doesn't concentrate on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are going into your home and seal off any vulnerable gaps to prevent water damage from occurring. At last, assess whether it's crucial to fasten your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – Walking around your outdoor property is another important step you should take. Your trees and shrubs need some treatment and might require some pruning. Any dead or dangling limbs can be hazardous in high winds and could cause excessive damage to your home. This goes for items in your yard like patio furniture too. Transfer any items that aren't fastened to the ground or weighed down to a safe area before the wind takes them away.
- Car – Aside from your property, you should also take preventative measures with your vehicle. Don't park your vehicle under any trees or in an area that is prone to flooding. If you park on the street, you should really be cautious of where you park. Additionally, do some prep work too, like: ensuring your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed correctly.
