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

Damages produced from hurricanes can be disastrous for your home. The extreme weather conditions can impair any home like smash windows, separate roofs and knock over trees. Your home is also vulnerable to water damage and flooding from downpours. Still, there are preventative measures you can take to defend your home from strong weather conditions. Follow the practices listed below to ensure you, your family and your residence is defended from a hurricane and to prevent excessive storm damage repairs.

Things to Prepare When a Hurricane Is Scheduled

  • Garage Door – Believe it or not, your garage is actually one of the more susceptible places when it comes to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. The explanation: the average garage door is not supported and strong winds can get into the area. When this happens, a positive push generates inside the garage, and as the winds are whirling above your structure, this creates a negative pull. A push-pull combination develops, and this can place a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually it could rip it off your garage. To prevent this from happening, the best method is to buy a kit that braces your garage door. Although, if it’s too late to install a kit, then you can use your car to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Doors and windows are another entry-point for a storm to cause chaos. Damaged windows will allow wind and rain to move through your home, and this can lead to water damage problems. When a storm is imminent, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters, ensure they are closed and locked, but if you don’t have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep possible damage out of your house. Additionally, keep in mind that sticking masking tape on your windows won’t defend them at all. Regarding your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to verify they don’t pop open during strong wind gusts.
  • Roof – Conducting a quick analysis of your roof prior to a hurricane can save you from excessive property damage. A great beginning point is to look for loose shingles and use some roofing cement to repair them. Next, look for any threatening gaps where any wiring is entering in your home and seal them. Small gaps may not seem like an issue, but sealing them off can bar any water from entering your residence. You might want to think about getting hurricane straps to confirm your roof is fastened too. Another thing to do is clean out your gutters so there’s proper irrigation for the strong rains.
  • Your Property – Your yard 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 house and your neighbor’s as well. Walk around your property and relocate any children’s toys, patio furniture, BBQs and garden accessories to an area safe from the storm. One other thing you need to do is remove any dangling or dead limbs from your trees and shrubs.
  • Car – Along with your property, you should also take preventative measures with your car. Don’t park your car under any trees or in an area that is vulnerable to flooding. If you park on the street, you should really be careful of where you park during a hurricane. In addition, do some prep work as well, such as: ensuring your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires aren’t worn out and that your windows are sealed properly.

Experienced Hurricane Damage Repair Contractors for Your House

Despite all the preventative measures you take in securing your residence, there is only so much you can do against storm damages. If your property succumbs to damage generated from a hurricane, call the experts at Paul Davis. Our storm and hurricane 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 agencies and we can help you determine if your damage is covered. Reach out to us today at (330) 220-2002 to locate a franchise near you.