How to Secure Your Home from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage

Damage induced from hurricanes can be destructive for your property. The extreme weather conditions can harm any property like break windows, separate roofs and knock over trees and shrubs. Your property is also vulnerable to water damage and flooding from the heavy rains. Yet, there are precautions you can take to protect your home from strong weather conditions. Follow the practices listed below to assure you, your family and your home is secure from a hurricane and to prevent excessive storm damage restoration.

Essential Steps in Hurricane Preparation

  • Garage Door – Believe it or not, your garage is really one of the more susceptible places when it comes to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. The explanation: the average garage door is not supported and strong winds can get into the area. When this occurs, a positive push generates inside the garage, and as the winds are swirling above your structure, this creates a negative pull. With the push-pull combo, this can put a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually it could tear it off your garage. To combat this from taking place, the best resolution is to purchase a kit that braces your garage door. Although, if it’s too late to install a kit, then you can use your automobile to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – A common occurrence that’s correlated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your doors and windows aren’t secure this will allow the wind and rain to move in your home. Before the storm hits, make sure your shutters are sturdy and in a working condition. The latches on your shutters need to be stable and you’ll also want to install locks on them. Boarding up your windows is also a great idea if you don’t have shutters. One wrong impression that’s passed around for window preparation is that you can place masking tape on the window; but this won’t protect it at all. Additionally, confirm that your doors are in good condition and that the deadbolts are functioning right. You can also use braces on your doors for extra security.
  • Roof – Conducting a quick checkup on your roof before a hurricane comes to your location can save you from a lot of property damage. A good beginning point is to check for damaged shingles and apply some roofing cement to repair them. Afterward, check to see if there are threatening gaps where any wiring is entering in your home and seal them. This can prevent water from getting into your home. You might want to think about getting hurricane straps to confirm your roof is fastened too. Another thing to do is unclog your gutters so there’s suitable irrigation for the strong rains.
  • Your Property – Have a walk around your yard before the storm hits. Your trees and shrubs need some consideration and might require some trimming. Any loose or dead limbs can be dangerous in extreme winds and could cause excessive damage to your home. This goes for items in your yard like patio furniture as well. Move any items that aren’t secured to the ground or weighed down to a safe location before the wind takes them away.
  • Car – Your car can easily be forgotten when you’re preparing your property for a storm. But it’s important to get your car ready as well, so check that you have: a full tank of gas, good windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed. Additionally, be conscious of where you park your car, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your car isn’t under any trees or in an area that’s prone to floods.

Paul Davis – Storm Damage Restoration Company

Paul Davis provides storm damage repair services, so if your property has been injured by a hurricane, contact our expert team. Unfortunately, you can only do so much prep work to defend against the elements. We can restore your home back to normal, and we work with different home insurers. The experienced team at Paul Davis can help you evaluate what’s covered with your policy. For a Paul Davis franchise near you, reach out to us at (267) 202-6470.