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

Natural disasters can materialize without a moment’s notice, but hurricanes can at least be revealed before they hit your location. Planning and preparing are very important things you can execute when a hurricane comes around. Because your house is one of your most valuable expenses, it’s a good idea to do what you can to avoid the perils that hurricanes can bring to your home and to avoid any storm damage restoration. There are many things to check up on when safeguarding your home for the big storm. To defend your home from a hurricane, use the approaches listed below.

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

  • Garage Door – To avoid any extreme storm damage repairs, your garage door should be one of the primary things to take care. Most of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren’t designed to defend against hurricane conditions, so it’s important to purchase a support kit. By supporting your garage door, you’ll block the winds that cause a positive push in your garage. This is integral since the winds outside will cause a negative pull above your garage. When this occurs, you’ll get a tug-of-war scenario which puts a lot of stress on your roof and garage. Supporting your garage door with braces is the most efficient way to avoid major damage. However, if it’s too late to install braces, you can use your automobile to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the more frequent hardships tied to hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren’t protected this will allow the storm to get into your house. Before the storm hits, make sure your shutters are sturdy and in a functional condition. The latches on your shutters need to be stable and it might be necessary to put additional locks on them. If your home doesn’t have shutters for your windows, then you can cover them up. A typical fallacy with window preparation is that you can place masking tape on the window; however, this doesn’t protect it at all. Also, ensure your doors are sturdy and that the deadbolts are functioning correctly. You can also brace your doors for added measure.
  • Roof – Inspecting your roof is important before a hurricane passes through your location, and it can help you avoid property damage and provide you a sense of well-being. A great starting point is to locate loose shingles and use some roofing cement to repair them. Afterward, look for any exposed gaps where any wiring is coming into your house and seal them off. Small gaps may not seem like an issue, but sealing them off can bar any water from coming into your home. You might want to consider obtaining hurricane straps to confirm your roof is secure as well. Also, you’ll want to clear out your gutters so there’s suitable irrigation for the heavy rains.
  • Your Property – The exterior of your property can be a primary risk when a hurricane approaches. Items that aren’t weighed down or fastened to the ground could be picked from the high wind and be heaved into your home and your neighbor’s as well. Make sure to move any garden accessories, children’s toys, patio furniture and BBQs to a location safe from the storm. Another thing you’ll want to do is remove any dangling or dead limbs from your trees and shrubs.
  • Car – Aside from your property, you should also take precautions with your automobile. Don’t park your car beneath any trees or in an area that floods easily. If you keep your car on the street, you should really be cautious of where you park during a hurricane. Additionally, do some prep work as well, like: ensuring your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires aren’t worn out and that your windows are sealed correctly.

Paul Davis – Your Hurricane Damage Restoration Experts

Paul Davis provides storm damage repair and remediation services, so if your home has been damaged by a hurricane, reach out to our professional team. Unfortunately, you can only do so much prep work to combat the elements. We can restore your home back to its original status, and we work with different home insurers. The professional team at Paul Davis can help you evaluate what’s covered with your policy. To locate a Paul Davis franchise in your area, give us a call at (410) 730-7260.