Getting Your Home Ready for a Hurricane – Storm Damage Prevention

Damage produced by hurricanes can be disastrous for your house. The extreme winds can shatter windows, tear apart roofs and uproot trees. Your house is also exposed to water damage from the constant rain. Nevertheless, there are precautions you can take to protect your home from heavy storms. Follow the guidelines below to ensure you, your family and your home is safeguarded from a hurricane and to prevent the need for storm damage repairs.

Things to Plan When a Hurricane Is Scheduled

  • Garage Door – If your home has a garage, this may be one of the first things to prep. Typically, garage doors don’t have the support to combat high winds. What can happen 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 occurs, your roof and garage will undergo a lot of pressure because of this tug-of-war instance. To defend from an excessive storm damage repair, you can purchase braces that will help your garage door fight hurricane conditions. This is the most trustworthy method, but if you don’t have the time to install a kit, then you can use your automobile to help brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – A common incidence that’s correlated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your doors and windows aren’t safeguarded this will allow the wind and rain to get into your house. When a hurricane is approaching, make sure your shutters are sturdy and in a working condition. The latches on your shutters should be secure and it may be necessary to put additional locks on them. If you don’t have storm shutters for your windows, then you can board them up. A common fallacy with window prep is that you can place masking tape on the window; however, this won’t help at all. Also, check that your doors are durable and that the deadbolts are working properly. You can also install braces on your doors for extra support.
  • Roof – Conducting a quick checkup on your roof prior to a hurricane can save you from a lot of property damage. The primary thing you’ll want to look for is damaged shingles and use some roofing cement to repair them. Afterward, check to see if there are exposed gaps where any wiring is entering in your house and seal them. Small gaps may not seem like a problem, but sealing them off can stop water from coming into your home. You might want to consider obtaining hurricane straps to confirm your roof is secure too. Also, you’ll want to unclog your gutters so there’s suitable irrigation for the heavy rains.
  • Your Property – Walking around your yard is another necessary step you should take. Your trees and shrubs need some attention and might necessitate some pruning. Any dangling or dead branches can be threatening in extreme winds and could cause a lot of damage to your home. This also consists of items on your lawn like patio furniture too. Transport any items that aren’t secured to the ground or weighed down to a secure location before the wind can take them.
  • Car – Along with your house, you should also take precautions with your automobile. Don’t park your car beneath any trees or in a spot that floods easily. If you rely on street parking, you should really be careful of where you park. In addition, do some prep work too, such as: ensuring your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed correctly.

Get Storm Damage Repair Services for Your House through Paul Davis

Damages caused by hurricanes can be disastrous, and there is only so much you can do to defend your house. If you’re in need of storm damage repair services, reach out to Paul Davis. We can repair and restore your house back to normal in a timely manner. You can trust the expert storm damage repair team at Paul Davis. Call us today at (410) 730-7260 and our local franchise will be there to get the job done.