Getting Your Home Ready for a Hurricane - Storm Damage Prevention
Flooding, structural loss and water damage are the typical cases after a hurricane hits. Nevertheless, there are a few essential approaches you can execute in order to prevent these scenarios and any major storm damage restorations. It's crucial to do anything you can to protect your home from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors secure. Below is a list of approaches to keep in mind while preparing your house against Mother Nature.How to Prepare for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – To prevent any extreme storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the first things to check for. Most of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren't designed to fight hurricane conditions, so it's important to buy a brace kit. By supporting your garage door, you'll have defense against the winds that cause a positive push in your space. This is crucial since the winds that develop outside will generate a negative pull above your garage. When this happens, you'll get a tug-of-war scenario which puts a lot of stress on your garage and roof. Purchasing a support kit for your garage door is an efficient approach to avoid major damage. But, if don't have the time to install braces, you can use your automobile to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Busted windows don't only allow the rain to get into your house, but the wind that comes in can increase the pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive damage to your structure. Storm shutters are an efficient way to secure your house during a hurricane. When a hurricane is at hand, ensure the latches on your shutters are functioning properly and you may want to consider adding additional locks for added measure. You can also board up your windows if you don't have storm shutters, but it's critical to note that placing masking tape on your windows won't do anything in a heavy storm. When your windows are secure, check your doors next. Verify that they're stable and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
- Roof – Conducting a quick examination of your roof before a hurricane hits your location can save you from excessive property damage. A great starting point is to locate damaged shingles and use some roofing cement to repair them. Next, look for any unprotected gaps where any wiring is coming into your house and seal them. Small gaps may not seem like an issue, but sealing them off can bar any water from entering your house. You might want to consider getting hurricane straps to make sure your roof is fastened as well. Another thing to do is clean out your gutters so there's proper irrigation for the heavy rains.
- Your Property – Your yard can be a primary hazard when a hurricane hits your town. Any loose items could be picked from the extreme wind and be propelled into your house and your neighbor's as well. Make sure to relocate any patio furniture, BBQs, garden accessories and children's toys to an area out of harm's way. One other thing you need to do is trim back any dangling or dead limbs from your trees and shrubs.
- Car – Aside from your home, you should also take preventative measures with your automobile. Don't park your vehicle under any trees or in an area that floods easily. If you park on the street, you should really be tentative of where you park. In addition, do some prep work as well, like: ensuring your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are in good condition, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed properly.