Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damages

Damage generated by hurricanes can be disastrous for your home. The extreme weather conditions can impair any home like break windows, tear apart roofs and uproot trees and shrubs. Your home is also susceptible to water damage and flooding from the constant rain. Nevertheless, there are preventative measures you can take to secure your home from strong weather conditions. Follow the guidelines below to assure you, your family and your property is protected from a hurricane and to prevent the need for storm damage repairs.

Things to Prepare When a Hurricane Approaches

  • Garage Door – To prevent any extreme storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the primary things to check for. A lot of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren’t installed to combat hurricane conditions, so it’s critical to buy a support kit. By bracing your garage door, you’ll prevent the winds that cause a positive push in your space. This is integral because the winds outside will create a negative pull over your garage. When this occurs, you’ll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of stress on your garage and roof. Supporting your garage door with braces is the most efficient approach to prevent major damage. But, if it’s too late to install braces, you can use your vehicle to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the more common impairments tied to hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren’t protected this will allow the wind and rain to move in your house. Before the storm hits, verify that your shutters are sturdy and in a functional condition. The latches need to be secure and you’ll also want to put additional locks on them. If your property doesn’t have storm shutters for your windows, then you can cover them up with some OSB. One wrong impression that’s passed around for window prep is that you can tape up the window; however, this doesn’t secure it at all. Also, ensure your doors are durable and that the deadbolts are working right. You can also brace your doors for added measure.
  • Roof – Conducting a quick checkup on your roof prior to a hurricane can save you from excessive property damage. A great beginning point is to check for loose shingles and use some roofing cement to repair them. Next, 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 prevent water from entering your property. You might want to consider obtaining hurricane straps to verify your roof is fastened too. Also, you’ll want to unclog your gutters so there’s suitable irrigation for the strong rains.
  • Your Property – It’s essential to clear your yard of any loose items like patio furniture, children’s toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If the item can be picked up from a strong wind storm, then clear it out and put it in a secure area so it doesn’t cause damage to your home and others’ around you. Additionally, inspect your trees and shrubbery for any dangling or dead limbs and trim them if they need it.
  • Car – Your car can easily be forgotten when you’re securing your residence for a storm. But it’s a great idea to get your car ready as well, so check that you have: your gas tank filled, working windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed properly. Furthermore, be cautious of where you park, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your vehicle isn’t under any trees or in a location that’s vulnerable to flooding.

Call Paul Davis for Storm Damage Repair

Paul Davis provides storm damage repair services, so if your residence has been injured by a hurricane, call our expert team. After all, you can only do so much prep work to defend against the elements. We can restore your home back to normal, and we work with various home insurers. We can help you evaluate what’s covered with your insurance. For a Paul Davis franchise near you, give us a call at (302) 449-6941.