Getting Your Home Ready for a Hurricane - Prevent Storm Damages
Damages induced by hurricanes can be disastrous for your residence. The extreme weather conditions can impair any residence, such as shatter windows, separate roofs and knock over trees. Your residence is also vulnerable to water damage and flooding from downpours. However, there are precautions you can take to protect your house from heavy weather conditions. Follow the guidelines below to assure you, your family and your home is defended from a hurricane and to avoid extreme storm damage repairs.Hurricane Preparation Checklist
- Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is actually one of the most susceptible places when it comes to heavy weather conditions such as hurricanes. The explanation: the average garage door is not reinforced and heavy winds can get into the garage. When this happens, a positive push generates inside the garage, and as the winds are swirling above your structure, this creates a negative pull. A push-pull combination develops, and this can put a lot of stress on your roof and ultimately it could rip it off your garage. To combat this from taking place, the best technique is to purchase a kit that braces your garage door. But 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 – Damaged windows don't only allow the rain to get into your house, but the wind that blows in can increase the pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive damage to your structure. Storm shutters are an effective approach to secure your home during a storm. When a hurricane is looming, make sure the latches are functioning properly and you may want to consider adding additional locks for added defense. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don't have shutters, but it's critical to know that placing masking tape on your windows won't do anything in a heavy storm. After your windows are secure, move to your doors next. Make sure they're sturdy and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
- Roof – A roof inspection is critical, and you should look out for any damaged shingles and other susceptible spots. You can use roof cement to mend any loose shingles, and you should consider hurricane straps to make sure your roof is secure to your home. Also, you'll want to seal any areas where wires enter into your house to avoid any water damage from happening. While you're analyzing your roof, this is a good time to see if your gutters are cleaned out. Proper irrigation is crucial for directing water away from your property during the hurricane.
- Your Property – It's significant to clear your property of any loose items like patio furniture, children's toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If the item can be picked up from a heavy gust of wind, then clear it out and put it in a safe location so it doesn't cause damage to your house and others' around you. Furthermore, examine your trees for any dangling or dead limbs and trim them if necessary.
- Car – Your car can easily be forgotten when you're prepping your property for a hurricane. But it's a great idea to get your car ready too, so make sure you have: your gas tank filled, good windshield wipers, good tires and your windows sealed properly. Furthermore, be mindful of where you park your car, especially if you park on the street. Check that your car isn't under any trees or in an area that's prone to flooding.