How to Secure Your Home from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage

Natural disasters can develop without a moment’s notice, but hurricanes can at least be discovered before they hit your location. When it’s hurricane season, it’s important to do some preparation. Since your home is one of your biggest expenses, it’s a good idea to do what you can to avoid the perils that hurricanes can bring to your property and to prevent any storm damage repair. There are a lot of things to check up on when preparing your residence for a hurricane. To safeguard your residence from a hurricane, follow the steps below.

Essential Methods in Hurricane Precautions

  • Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is actually one of the most vulnerable places when it comes to extreme storms such as hurricanes. The reason why: most garage doors are not supported and heavy winds can get into the garage. When this happens, a positive push generates in the garage, and as the winds are churning above your structure, this causes a negative pull. A push-pull combination is created, and this can place a lot of pressure on your roof and ultimately tear it off. To combat this from taking place, the best approach is to purchase a kit that supports your garage door. Although, if time isn’t on your side to install a kit, then you can use your vehicle to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Broken 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 a great way to defend your residence during a hurricane. When a storm is at hand, make sure the latches on your shutters are functioning correctly and you may want to consider adding additional locks for added security. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don’t have storm shutters, but it’s vital to note that putting masking tape on your windows won’t do anything to defend your property from a hurricane. When your windows are secure, move to your doors next. Verify that they’re reliable and that the deadbolts are in working order.
  • Roof – Inspecting your roof is important before a hurricane passes through your location, and it can defend against property damage and give you peace-of-mind. One of the main things you’ll want to check for is damaged shingles and use some roofing cement to fix them. Next, look for any unprotected gaps where any wiring is entering in your home and seal them. This can prevent water from getting into your residence. You might want to consider obtaining hurricane straps to make sure your roof is fastened too. Another thing to do is clear out your gutters so there’s good irrigation for the heavy rains.
  • Your Property – It’s significant to clear your lawn of any loose items like patio furniture, children’s toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If the item can be lifted from a heavy gust of wind, then relocate it to a secure location so it doesn’t cause damage to your property and others’ around you. Furthermore, inspect your trees and shrubbery for any dangling or dead branches and trim them if necessary.
  • Car – When you’re worried about protecting your house from a hurricane, it’s understandable that you forget about your vehicle. Ensure that your vehicle is filled with gas, that your tires have good tread, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are good. If you have to park on the street, you’ll want to verify that you’re not parked under trees or in a location that is prone to floods.

Paul Davis – Your Storm Damage Repair Experts

Even with all the necessary steps you take in securing your residence, there is only so much you can do against storm damages. If your home succumbs to damage produced by a hurricane, call the professionals at Paul Davis. The team at Paul Davis can restore your home back to where it was with our storm damage restoration and remediation services. Additionally, we work with different insurance agencies and we can help you determine if your damage is covered. Reach out to Paul Davis today at (517) 465-3096 to locate a franchise near your location.