How to Secure Your Home from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage
Damages produced by hurricanes can be destructive for your property. The strong winds can smash windows, separate roofs and uproot trees and shrubs. Your property is also prone to water damage and flooding from the constant rain. However, there are precautions you can take to protect your property from heavy weather conditions. Follow the approaches listed below to ensure you, your family and your house is safeguarded from a hurricane and to prevent extreme storm damage repairs.
How to Plan for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – Start with your garage if your property has one, because this is one of the more vulnerable sections for storm damage. Typically, garage doors don’t have the support to brace strong winds. What can happen is the wind will create 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 sustain a lot of stress because of this tug-of-war situation. To prevent an excessive storm damage restoration, you can purchase braces that will help your garage door withstand hurricane conditions. This is the most trustworthy step, but if time isn’t on your side, then you can use your vehicle to help brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Windows and doors are another entry-point for a storm to cause disruption. Defective windows will allow wind and rain to move through your property, and this can cause water damage problems. When a storm is imminent, make sure you lock and secure 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 possible destruction out of your residence. Additionally, keep in mind that using masking tape on your windows won’t do anything to defend them. Regarding your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locks to ensure they don’t fly open during heavy winds.
- Roof – Make sure to go over your roof for any loose shingles and other susceptible spots. You can use roof cement to fix any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to ensure your roof is secure to your house. Additionally, it’s a good idea to seal any areas where wires enter into your house to prevent any water damage from occurring. While you’re checking out your roof, this is a good time to see if your gutters are congested. Suitable irrigation is crucial for directing water away from your property during the hurricane.
- Your Property – The outside of your property can be a number one hazard when a hurricane hits your town. Items that aren’t weighed down or fastened to the ground could be picked from the extreme wind and be heaved into your residence and your neighbor’s as well. Walk around your lawn and move any BBQs, garden accessories, children’s toys and patio furniture to an area safe from the storm. Another thing you need to do is remove any loose or dead limbs from your shrubs and trees.
- Car – When you’re concerned about safeguarding your home from a hurricane, it’s understandable that you forget about your car. Make sure that your vehicle is filled with gas, that your tires have good tread, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are good. If you park your vehicle on the street, you’ll want to make sure that you’re not parked under trees or in a location that is prone to floods.
Expert Hurricane Damage Restoration Contractors for Your Residence
Hurricanes can create a lot of damage, and there is only so much you can do to protect your property. If your house needs storm damage restoration services, get in touch with Paul Davis. We can restore your property quickly. You can rely on the professional storm damage restoration team at Paul Davis. Give us a call today at (317) 357-5396 and our local franchise will be there to get the job done.
