A Homeowners Method to Defending a Home from a Hurricane
Damages caused from hurricanes can be disastrous for your house. The extreme weather conditions can harm any house like break windows, separate roofs and knock over trees and shrubs. Your house is also exposed to water damage from downpours. Still, there are precautions you can take to secure your property from heavy weather conditions. Follow the guidelines below to assure you, your family and your residence is protected from a hurricane and to prevent extreme storm damage restoration.
Essential Steps in Hurricane Precautions
- Garage Door – If your residence has a garage, this may be one of the first things you need to take care of. Strong winds can penetrate the standard residential garage door because they’re not installed with the needed support. What can happen is the wind will create a positive push in your garage, and the wind outside of it causes a negative pull. When this happens, your roof and garage will endure a lot of pressure because of this push-pull instance. To prevent a major storm damage restoration, you can purchase braces that will help your garage door withstand hurricane conditions. This is the most effective step, but if time isn’t on your side, then you can use your car to help support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – The other susceptible areas in your residence are your access points such as your doors and windows. Shattered windows will allow wind and rain to enter into your property, and this can lead to water damage issues. When a hurricane is imminent, make sure you lock and secure your windows. If you have storm shutters, make sure they are closed and locked, but if you don’t have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep potential destruction out of your house. Also, remember that placing masking tape on your windows doesn’t protect them at all. Regarding your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locks to make sure they don’t pop open during heavy winds.
- Roof – Your roof is your main defender against the elements, and that’s why it’s important to make sure it’s prepared for a hurricane. Search for any damaged shingles and fix them with reliable roofing material like roofing cement. You’ll also want irrigation for the strong rains, so clear out your gutters so the water doesn’t pool on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are entering into your property and seal off any susceptible gaps to prevent water damage from happening. At last, check whether it’s required to attach your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – Take a stroll through your lawn prior to the hurricane. Your shrubs and trees need consideration and might necessitate some trimming. Any loose or dead limbs can be hazardous in windy conditions and could cause excessive damage to your property. This goes for items in your yard such as patio furniture as well. Transport any loose items to a safe place before the wind takes them away.
- Car – Along with your property, it’s necessary to take precautions with your car. Don’t park your vehicle beneath any trees or in an area that floods easily. If you rely on street parking, you should really be careful of where you park. Furthermore, prepare your vehicle, such as: ensuring your tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires aren’t worn out and that your windows are sealed properly.
Who We Are
Even with all the preventative measures you take in safeguarding your residence, there is only so much you can do against storm damages. If your property succumbs to damage generated from a hurricane, reach out to the experts at Paul Davis. Our storm and hurricane damage repair and remediation services will get your property back to a healthy condition. In addition, we work with a variety of insurance agencies and we can offer guidance and help you figure out if your damage is covered. Get in touch with us today at (208) 522-7374 to locate a franchise near you.