How to Safeguard Your Home from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage
Structural destruction, water damage and flooding are the common scenarios after a hurricane passes through. However, there are some important methods you can execute in order to prevent these incidents and any excessive storm damage restorations. It's crucial to do what you can to protect your house from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors safe. Below is a list of practices to keep in mind when defending your house against the elements.Ways to Prepare for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – If your house has a garage, this may be one of the first things to take care of. Strong winds can penetrate the typical residential garage door because they're not built with the needed support. What can take place is the wind will produce a positive push in 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 tug-of-war instance. To defend from a major storm damage repair, you can purchase braces that will help your garage door hold off hurricane conditions. This is the most effective step, but if you don't have the time to install a kit, then you can use your car to help brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Damaged windows don't only allow the rain to get into your home, but the wind that comes in can increase the pressure under your roof, which can lead to significant damage to your structure. Storm shutters are a great method to secure your house during a hurricane. When a hurricane is imminent, make sure the latches on your shutters are working correctly and you may want to consider installing additional locks for added defense. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don't have shutters, but it's crucial to know that putting masking tape on your windows won't do anything to defend your home from a hurricane. After your windows are protected, check your doors next. Verify that they're durable and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
- Roof – Make sure to check out your roof for any damaged shingles and other vulnerable spots. Get some roof cement to fix any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to make sure your roof is fastened to your house. Additionally, it's a good idea to seal any areas where wires enter into your home to prevent any water damage from occurring. In the course of your roof inspection, this is a good time to see if your gutters are clear of debris. Proper irrigation is vital for directing water away from your property during the hurricane.
- Your Property – It's necessary to clear your property of any loose items such as patio furniture, children's toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If the item can be picked up from a strong wind storm, then relocate it to a safe area so it doesn't cause damage to your home and others' around you. Additionally, check your trees for any dangling or dead branches and trim them if they need it.
- Car – Aside from your house, you should also take precautions with your car. Don't park your vehicle beneath any trees or in a spot that floods easily. If you keep your vehicle on the street, you should really be watchful of where you park during a hurricane. Furthermore, do some prep work as well, such as: ensuring your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are in good condition, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed correctly.