Getting Your Home Ready for a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damages

Natural disasters can develop without a moment’s notice, but hurricanes can at least be revealed prior to hitting your area. Preparation and planning are very important things you can do when a hurricane comes around. Because your house is one of your most valuable investments, it’s a good idea to do what you can to prevent the perils that hurricanes can bring to your property and to prevent any storm damage restoration. There are many things to check up on when prepping your house for a hurricane. To secure your house from a hurricane, follow the steps below.

How to Brace for a Hurricane

  • Garage Door – Start with your garage if your house has one, because this is one of the most vulnerable sections for storm damage. High winds can permeate the typical residential garage door because they’re not built with the needed support. What can take place is the wind will create a positive push inside your garage, and the wind outside of the structure causes a negative pull. When this takes place, your garage and roof will sustain a lot of stress because of this push-pull instance. To avoid a major storm damage restoration, you can purchase braces that will help your garage door resist hurricane conditions. This is the most effective method, but if you don’t have the time to install a kit, then you can use your car to help support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Broken windows don’t only allow the rain to get into your house, but the wind that comes in can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive damage to your structure. Storm shutters are a great way to defend your house during a storm. When a hurricane is on its way, ensure the latches on your shutters are functioning properly and you may want to think about installing additional locks for added security. You can also board up your windows 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 property from a hurricane. When your windows are protected, move to your doors next. Make sure they’re sturdy and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
  • Roof – Administering a quick examination of your roof prior to a hurricane can save you from excessive property damage. The primary thing you’ll want to check for is loose shingles and apply some roofing cement to fix them. Next, check to see if there are unprotected gaps where any wiring is entering in your house and seal them. This can block water from getting into your house. You might want to think about getting hurricane straps to make sure your roof is fastened as well. Another thing to do is clean out your gutters so there’s suitable irrigation for the heavy rains.
  • Your Property – It’s important to clear your lawn of any loose items such as patio furniture, children’s toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If the item can be lifted from a heavy gust of wind, then clear it out and put it in a secure location so it doesn’t cause damage to your property and others’ around you. Additionally, check your trees and shrubbery for any dangling or dead limbs and trim them if they need it.
  • Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you’re prepping your property for a hurricane. But it’s important 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. In addition, be conscious of where you park, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your vehicle isn’t beneath any trees or in a location that’s prone to floods.

Call Paul Davis for Hurricane Damage Restoration

Paul Davis offers storm damage restoration services, so if your property has been damaged by a hurricane, call our expert team. Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do to protect your house from the elements. We can fix and restore your property back to normal, and we work with various home insurers. We can help you calculate what’s covered with your policy. For a Paul Davis franchise in your area, give us a call at (301) 420-7285.