Damage produced by hurricanes can be destructive for your residence. The high winds can shatter windows, tear apart roofs and knock over trees. Your residence is also exposed to water damage and flooding from downpours. Nevertheless, there are approaches you can take to secure your property from heavy weather conditions. Follow the approaches listed below to assure you, your family and your home is secure from a hurricane and to prevent excessive storm damage repairs.
Necessary Steps in Hurricane Preparation
- Garage Door – Begin with your garage if your property has one, because this is one of the most vulnerable sections for storm damage. High winds can get through the standard residential garage door because they’re not installed with the needed support. 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 takes place, your roof and garage will endure a lot of stress because of this push-pull instance. To defend from a major storm damage restoration, you can buy braces that will help your garage door withstand hurricane conditions. This is the most efficient approach, but if time isn’t on your side, then you can use your automobile to help brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – The other problematic areas in your home are your access points like your doors and windows. Broken windows will allow rain and wind to enter into 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, ensure they are in good condition and locked, but if you don’t have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep probable damage out of your residence. Also, keep in mind that sticking masking tape on your windows doesn’t secure them at all. As for your doors, lock the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to make sure they don’t pop open during heavy wind gusts.
- Roof – Your roof is your number one defender against the elements, and that’s why it’s vital to ensure it’s prepared for a hurricane. Locate any out of place shingles and mend them with the proper roofing material like roofing cement. You’ll also want good irrigation for the pouring rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn’t concentrate on your roof. You can then locate any wires that are entering into your property and seal off any threatening gaps to block water damage from happening. At last, assess whether it’s crucial to protect your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – Your lawn can be a number one threat when a hurricane comes through. Items that aren’t weighed down or fastened to the ground could be lifted from the extreme wind and be thrown into your residence and your neighbor’s as well. Walk around your property and relocate any patio furniture, BBQs, garden accessories and children’s toys to a place safe from the storm. Another thing you’ll want to do is remove any loose or dead limbs from your trees and shrubs.
- Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you’re prepping your house for a storm. But it’s a great idea to get your vehicle ready as well, so ensure you have: a full tank of gas, good windshield wipers, good tires and your windows sealed properly. Also, be conscious of where you park your vehicle, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your vehicle isn’t under any trees or in an area that’s susceptible to floods.
Paul Davis – Your Storm Damage Restoration Experts
Paul Davis provides storm damage repair services, so if your house has been injured by a hurricane, call our expert team. Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do to defend against the elements. We can restore your property back to normal, and we work with a range of insurance companies. The experienced team at Paul Davis can help you calculate what’s covered under your insurance. For a Paul Davis franchise in your area, give us a call at 858-223-0200.