Getting Your Home Ready for a Hurricane - Storm Damage Prevention
Damages generated from hurricanes can be devastating for your property. The strong winds can shatter windows, separate roofs and uproot trees and shrubs. Your property is also exposed to water damage from downpours. However, there are preventative measures you can take to safeguard your house from heavy weather conditions. Follow the methods listed below to assure you, your family and your house is defended from a hurricane and to prevent excessive storm damage restoration.Hurricane Prevention Checklist
- Garage Door – If your house has a garage, this may be one of the first things you need to prep. Typically, garage doors don't have the support to combat high winds. What can take place is the wind will bring about a positive push inside your garage, and the wind outside of the structure creates a negative pull. When this takes place, your garage and roof will endure a lot of stress because of this push-pull instance. To avoid a major storm damage repair, you can purchase braces that will help your garage door combat hurricane conditions. This is the most reliable approach, but if time isn't on your side, then you can use your car to help brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – The other problematic areas in your house are your access points such as your doors and windows. Busted windows will allow wind and rain to enter into your house, and this can lead to water damage problems. When a hurricane is imminent, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters installed, ensure they are in good condition and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep potential damage out of your house. Additionally, remember that using masking tape on your windows doesn't secure them at all. Concerning your doors, lock the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to ensure they don't pop open during heavy wind gusts.
- Roof – Your roof is your primary protector against the elements, and that's why it's important to ensure it's ready for a hurricane. Look out for any out of place shingles and fix them with the proper roofing material, such as roofing cement. You'll also want good irrigation for the heavy rains, so clean out your gutters so the water doesn't accumulate on your roof. You can then find any wires that are entering into your house and seal off any threatening gaps to prevent water damage from occurring. Lastly, judge whether it's critical to protect your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – The exterior of your property can be a primary hazard when a hurricane approaches. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be lifted from the high wind and be flung into your house and your neighbor's as well. Make sure to relocate any BBQs, garden accessories, children's toys and patio furniture to a place safe from the storm. Another thing you'll want to do is trim back any dangling or dead limbs from your trees and shrubs.
- Car – When you're caught up in protecting your home from a hurricane, it's easy to forget about your automobile. Ensure that your car is filled with gas, that your tires aren't worn down, the windows are sealed and that your windshield wipers are working. If you have to park on the street, you'll want to verify that you're not parked under any trees or in a location that is vulnerable to floods.