How to Protect Your House from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage

Structural loss, water damage and flooding are the common scenarios after a hurricane hits. However, there are a few fundamental approaches you can take in order to prevent these incidents and any excessive storm damage repairs. It’s imperative to do what you can to defend your house from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors secure. Below is a list of things to keep in mind while preparing your residence against the elements.

Fundamental Steps in Hurricane Precautions

• Garage Door – Start with your garage if your residence has one, because this is one of the most vulnerable sections for storm damage. High winds can get through the typical residential garage door because they’re not installed with the needed support. What can take place is the wind will bring about a positive push inside your garage, and the wind outside of the structure creates a negative pull. When this happens, your garage and roof will undergo a lot of pressure because of this tug-of-war instance. To prevent an excessive storm damage repair, you can buy a kit that will help your garage door combat hurricane conditions. This is the most reliable method, but if time isn’t on your side, then you can use your car to help support your garage door.
• Windows and Doors – A typical occurrence that’s correlated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your doors and windows aren’t safeguarded this will allow the storm to move in your home. When a hurricane is imminent, confirm that your shutters are durable and in a functional condition. The latches on your shutters need to be stable and it might be necessary to install locks on them. Boarding up your windows is also an effective approach if you don’t have shutters. One wrong impression that’s passed around for window prep is that you can place masking tape on the window; however, this won’t help at all. Additionally, ensure your doors are durable and that the deadbolts are working properly. You can also brace your doors for extra defense.
• Roof – Administering a quick checkup on your roof before a hurricane hits your location can save you from excessive property damage. A good starting point is to locate loose shingles and apply some roofing cement to repair them. Afterward, check to see if there are threatening gaps where any wiring is coming into your home and seal them. This can bar any water from coming into your residence. You might want to think about getting hurricane straps to ensure your roof is secure too. Additionally, you’ll want to clean out your gutters so there’s suitable irrigation for the strong rains.
• Your Property – It’s necessary to clear your yard of any loose items such as children’s toys, garden accessories and patio furniture. If the item can be lifted from a strong wind storm, then relocate it to a secure location so it doesn’t cause damage to your home and others’ around you. Furthermore, examine your trees for any dead or loose limbs and trim them if necessary.
• Car – Aside from your house, you should also take precautions with your car. Don’t park your car beneath any trees or in an area that floods easily. If you rely on street parking, you should really be cautious of where you park during a hurricane. Furthermore, prepare your car, such as: making sure your tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires aren’t worn out and that your windows are sealed properly.

Get Hurricane Damage Restoration Services for Your Residence through Paul Davis

Paul Davis offers storm damage repair services, so if your residence has been injured by a hurricane, contact our professional team. After all, you can only do so much preparation to defend against the elements. We can repair and restore your home back to normal, and we work with a range of home insurers. The professional team at Paul Davis can help you determine what’s covered under your policy. For a Paul Davis franchise near you, reach out to us at (484) 273-7867.