Getting Your Home Ready for a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damages

Natural disasters can take place at any time, but hurricanes can at least be identified before they hit your location. Hurricane season is a time for preparation. 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 house and to avoid any storm damage repair. There are many things to keep in mind when preparing your home for a hurricane. To defend your home from a hurricane, use the steps below.

Hurricane Planning Checklist – Best Approaches to Avoid Storm Damage

  • Garage Door – Believe it or not, your garage is really one of the most susceptible places when it comes to heavy storms like hurricanes. The logic behind it: the average garage door is not reinforced and strong winds can get into the garage. When this occurs, you get a positive push in the garage, and as the winds are churning above it, this creates a negative pull. A push-pull combination is created, and this can place a lot of stress on your roof and ultimately it could rip it off your garage. To combat this from taking place, the best method is to purchase a kit that supports your garage door. But if it’s too late to put in a garage door kit, then you can use your automobile to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – A typical incidence that’s associated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your windows and doors aren’t protected this will allow the wind and rain to get into your house. Before the storm reaches your location, check that your shutters are durable and in a working condition. The latches on your shutters need to be stable and it might be necessary to put additional locks on them. You can also board up your windows if you don’t have storm shutters. One wrong impression that’s been taught for window prep is that you can use masking tape on the window; but this doesn’t secure it at all. Additionally, check that your doors are sturdy and that the deadbolts are working properly. You can also use braces on your doors for extra security.
  • Roof – Conducting a quick checkup on your roof before a hurricane comes to your location can save you from a lot of property damage. A great starting point is to locate damaged shingles and apply some roofing cement to fix them. Afterward, check to see if there are threatening gaps where any wiring is entering in your house and seal them off. This can prevent water from getting into your home. You might want to consider obtaining hurricane straps to verify your roof is secure too. Additionally, you’ll want to unclog your gutters so there’s good irrigation for the strong rains.
  • Your Property – Have a stroll through your lawn prior to the hurricane. Your trees and shrubs need consideration and might require some trimming. Any loose or dead limbs can be hazardous in extreme winds and could cause a lot of damage to your house. This also consists of items in your yard like patio furniture as well. Move any items that aren’t secured to the ground or weighed down to a secure area before the wind takes them away.
  • Car – When you’re caught up in securing your house from a hurricane, it’s understandable that you forget about your vehicle. Ensure that you have a full tank of gas, that your tires have good tread, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are working. If you have to park on the street, you’ll want to make sure that you’re not parked under any trees or in an area that is prone to floods.

Who We Are

Even with all the necessary steps you take in securing your home, there is only so much you can do against storm damages. If your property succumbs to damage generated from a hurricane, call the professionals at Paul Davis. Our storm damage repair and remediation services will get your property back to the condition it was before. In addition, we work with a variety of insurance companies and we can help you determine if your damage is covered. Call Paul Davis today at (517) 465-3096 to find a franchise near you.