How to Safeguard Your House from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage

Natural disasters can materialize at any time, but hurricanes can at least be discovered prior to hitting your location. Preparation and planning are very important things you can execute when hurricane season approaches. Because your house is one of your biggest investments, it’s a smart idea to do what you can to avoid the damages that hurricanes can bring to your home and to avoid any storm damage repair. There are a lot of things to keep in mind when safeguarding your home for a hurricane. To secure your home from a hurricane, follow the approaches listed below.

Hurricane Precaution Checklist

  • Garage Door – To avoid any major storm damage repairs, your garage door should be one of the primary things to take care. A lot of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren’t installed to combat hurricane conditions, so it’s important to buy a support kit. Through bracing your garage door, you’ll block the winds that cause a positive push in your garage. This is integral because the winds that develop outside will generate a negative pull over your garage. When this occurs, you’ll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of stress on your garage and roof. Supporting your garage door with braces is the most effective approach to avoid excessive damage. However, if don’t have the time to install braces, you can use your car to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Broken windows don’t only allow the rain to get into your house, but the wind that comes through can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to significant structural damage. Storm shutters are an efficient method to secure your home during a storm. When a hurricane is at hand, ensure the latches are working correctly and you may want to consider installing additional locks for added protection. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don’t have shutters, but it’s vital to note that placing masking tape on your windows won’t do anything to defend your home from a hurricane. When your windows are secure, move to your doors next. Make sure they’re stable and that the deadbolts are in working order.
  • Roof – Inspecting your roof is vital before a hurricane passes through your location, and it can prevent property damage and give you a sense of well-being. One of the first things you’ll want to look for is loose shingles and apply some roofing cement to fix them. Next, look for any exposed gaps where any wiring is entering in your house and seal them. Small gaps may not seem like an issue, but sealing them off can block water from getting into your home. You might want to consider obtaining hurricane straps to verify 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 – It’s significant to clear your yard of any loose items like children’s toys, garden accessories and patio furniture. If the item can be picked up from a heavy gust of wind, then relocate it to a safe location so it doesn’t cause damage to your home and others’ around you. Additionally, inspect your trees for any dead or loose branches and trim them if they need it.
  • Car – Along with your home, you should also take precautions with your car. Don’t park your vehicle under any trees or in an area that floods easily. If you rely on street parking, you should really be tentative of where you park. Additionally, prepare your vehicle, such as: making sure your tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed correctly.

Experienced Storm Damage Repair Contractors for Your Home

Paul Davis provides storm damage repair services, so if your home has been damaged by a hurricane, call our expert team. After all, there is only so much you can do to combat the elements. We can restore your home back to its original status, and we work with a range of home insurers. The expert team at Paul Davis can help you calculate what’s covered under your insurance. To locate a Paul Davis franchise in your area, contact us at (817) 484-0112.