Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane - Avoid Storm Damages
Natural disasters can take place at any time, but hurricanes can at least be identified before they hit your location. Hurricane season is a time for preparation. Since your home is one of your biggest investments, it's a smart idea to do what you can to prevent the damages that hurricanes can bring to your property and to prevent any storm damage repair. There are lots of things to keep in mind when safeguarding your house for a hurricane. To secure your house from a hurricane, follow the methods listed below.Things to Plan When a Hurricane Approaches
- Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is really one of the most susceptible places when it comes to heavy storms like hurricanes. The explanation: most garage doors are not supported and heavy winds can get into the garage. When this happens, you get a positive push inside the garage, and as the winds are churning above your structure, this creates a negative pull. With the push-pull combination, this can place a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually tear it off. To combat this from happening, the best resolution is to purchase a kit that supports your garage door. Although, if it's too late to install a kit, then you can use your car to 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 increase the pressure under your roof, which can lead to significant structural damage. Storm shutters are a great method to defend your house during a hurricane. When a storm is on its way, ensure the latches are working properly and you may want to think about installing additional locks for added protection. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don't have storm shutters, but it's crucial to note that putting masking tape on your windows won't do anything in a heavy storm. After your windows are secure, move to your doors next. Make sure they're reliable and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
- Roof – Administering a quick analysis of your roof before a hurricane hits your location can save you from a lot of property damage. A good starting point is to check for damaged shingles and apply some roofing cement to repair them. Afterward, check to see if there are unprotected gaps where any wiring is entering in your home and seal them off. This can block water from coming into your house. You might want to think about obtaining hurricane straps to verify your roof is fastened as well. Additionally, you'll want to unclog your gutters so there's proper irrigation for the heavy rains.
- Your Property – Your lawn can be a number one threat when a hurricane approaches. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be picked from the high wind and be hurled 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 safe from the storm. Another thing you'll want to do is remove any dangling or dead branches from your shrubs and trees.
- Car – Your car can easily be forgotten when you're securing your residence for a storm. But it's important to get your car ready as well, so ensure you have: a full tank of gas, working windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed. Also, be mindful of where you park your car, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your vehicle isn't under any trees or in an area that's prone to flooding.