How to Safeguard Your House from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage
Water damage, flooding and structural loss are the usual cases after a hurricane hits. Nevertheless, there are a few essential approaches you can execute in order to prevent these incidents and any major storm damage repairs. It's crucial to do whatever you can to defend 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 while protecting your home against the elements.Things to Prepare When a Hurricane Is En Route
- Garage Door – Start with your garage if your home has one, because this is one of the most vulnerable sections for storm damage. Most garage doors don't have the support to fight high winds. What can take place is the wind will create a positive push inside your garage, and the wind outside of it causes a negative pull. When this occurs, your roof and garage will endure a lot of stress because of this push-pull situation. To avoid a major storm damage repair, you can buy braces that will help your garage door withstand 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 automobile to help brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – The other susceptible areas in your home are your access points like your doors and windows. Shattered windows will allow rain and wind to move through your house, and this can cause water damage issues. When a hurricane is imminent, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters, 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. Also, keep in mind that placing masking tape on your windows won't do anything to defend them. Concerning your doors, utilize the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to make sure they don't fly open during heavy winds.
- Roof – Your roof is your number one defender against Mother Nature, and that's why it's critical to make sure it's prepared for a hurricane. Locate any damaged shingles and fix them with the proper roofing material like roofing cement. You'll also want suitable irrigation for the pouring rains, so clear out your gutters so the water doesn't pool on your roof. You can then locate any wires that are going into your house and seal off any threatening gaps to prevent water damage from occurring. At last, judge whether it's critical to fasten your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – It's necessary to clear your property of any loose items like garden accessories, patio furniture and children's toys. If the item can be lifted from a heavy gust of wind, then clear it out and put it in a secure area so it doesn't cause damage to your house and others' around you. Furthermore, inspect your trees for any dangling or dead limbs and trim them if they need it.
- Car – When you're caught up in protecting your property from a hurricane, it's understandable that you forget about your vehicle. Ensure that you have a full tank of gas, that your tires aren't worn down, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are working. If you have to park on the street, you'll want to make sure that you're not parked under any trees or in a location that is susceptible to flooding.