Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane - Avoid Storm Damages
Damages caused from hurricanes can be disastrous for your property. The extreme winds can shatter windows, tear apart roofs and uproot trees. Your property is also vulnerable to water damage from downpours. Still, there are approaches you can take to safeguard your home from heavy weather conditions. Follow the methods listed below to make sure you, your family and your home is defended from a hurricane and to avoid extreme storm damage restoration.Things to Prepare When a Hurricane Approaches
- Garage Door – In fact, your garage is really one of the more vulnerable places when it comes to heavy weather conditions such as hurricanes. The logic behind it: the average garage door is not supported and heavy winds can get into the garage. When this occurs, you get a positive push in the garage, and as the winds are swirling above it, this causes 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 avoid this from taking place, the best technique is to purchase a kit that braces your garage door. But if it's too late to install a kit, then you can utilize your automobile to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the more frequent perils tied to hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren't safeguarded this will allow the storm to get into your house. Before the storm reaches your area, check that your shutters are sturdy and in a working condition. The latches on your shutters should be secure and you'll also want to install locks on them. You can also cover your windows with some OSB if you don't have storm shutters. One wrong impression that's been taught for window prep is that you can tape up the window; however, this doesn't help at all. Also, make sure your doors are in strong condition and that the deadbolts are functioning right. You can also install braces on your doors for added measure.
- Roof – Make sure to scan your roof for any loose shingles and other vulnerable spots. Get some roof cement to secure any loose shingles, and you should consider hurricane straps to ensure your roof is secure to your home. Also, you'll want to seal any spots where wires come into your house to avoid any water damage from happening. While you're analyzing your roof, check to see if your gutters are congested. Proper irrigation is crucial for directing water away from your property during the hurricane.
- Your Property – Take a walk around your yard before the storm hits. Your trees and shrubs need treatment and might necessitate some pruning. Any dead or loose limbs can be hazardous in high winds and could cause a lot of damage to your home. This pertains to items in your yard such as patio furniture as well. Move any items that aren't secured to the ground or weighed down to a secure area before the wind can take them.
- Car – When you're concerned about protecting your residence from a hurricane, it's understandable that you forget about your vehicle. Make sure that your vehicle is filled with gas, that your tires aren't worn down, the windows are sealed and that your windshield wipers are good. If you park your automobile on the street, you'll want to verify that you're not parked under trees or in an area that is prone to flooding.