How to Secure Your Home from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage
Structural destruction, water damage and flooding are the usual incidents for a post-hurricane environment. Yet, there are a few important steps you can execute in order to avoid these scenarios and any excessive storm damage repairs. It's crucial to do whatever you can to secure your house from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors protected. Listed below are things to keep in mind while preparing your residence against Mother Nature.Essential Steps in Hurricane Preparation
- Garage Door – If your residence has a garage, this should be one of the first things to prep. Most garage doors don't have the support to fight strong winds. What can happen is the wind will produce a positive push in your garage, and the wind outside of the structure causes a negative pull. When this takes place, your garage and roof will endure a lot of pressure because of this push-pull instance. To defend from a major storm damage repair, you can purchase a kit that will help your garage door resist hurricane conditions. This is the most effective method, but if time isn't on your side, then you can use your automobile to help support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Busted windows don't only allow the rain to get into your residence, but the wind that blows through can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive structural damage. Storm shutters are an efficient way to defend your residence during a hurricane. When a hurricane is imminent, make sure the latches on your shutters are functioning correctly and you may want to consider installing additional locks for added defense. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don't have storm shutters, but it's important to know that placing masking tape on your windows won't do anything to defend your house from a hurricane. After your windows are protected, move to your doors next. Verify that they're stable and that the deadbolts are in working order.
- Roof – Your roof acts as a number one defense against the elements, and that's why it's crucial to make sure it's ready for a hurricane. Search for any out of place shingles and repair them with roofing concrete. You'll also want good irrigation for the strong rains, so clean out your gutters so the water doesn't concentrate on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are going into your house and seal off any susceptible gaps to prevent water damage from happening. Lastly, check whether it's crucial to protect your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – Your lawn can be a number one risk when a hurricane hits your town. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be lifted from the high wind and be heaved into your residence and your neighbor's too. Make sure to move any children's toys, patio furniture, BBQs and garden accessories to a location out of harm's way. One other thing you'll want to do is trim back any loose or dead limbs from your shrubs and trees.
- Car – When you're concerned about safeguarding your home from a hurricane, it's understandable that you forget about your car. Ensure that your car is filled with gas, that your tires aren't worn down, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are good. If you park your automobile on the street, you'll want to check that you're not parked under trees or in an area that is susceptible to floods.