A Homeowners Guide to Defending a Home from a Hurricane
Water damage, flooding and ruined structures are the typical incidents after a hurricane passes through. Nevertheless, there are some fundamental approaches you can take in order to prevent these incidents and any major storm damage restorations. It's crucial to do what you can to protect your property from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors protected. Below is a list of approaches to keep in mind when defending your home against the elements.Ways to Plan for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – Start with your garage if your property has one, because this is one of the more vulnerable sections for storm damage. Strong winds can penetrate the typical residential garage door because they're not installed with the needed support. What can happen is the wind will produce a positive push in your garage, and the wind outside of the structure creates a negative pull. When this takes place, your garage and roof will endure a lot of stress because of this push-pull situation. To defend from a major storm damage restoration, you can buy a kit that will help your garage door combat hurricane conditions. This is the most efficient approach, but if time isn't on your side, then you can use your automobile to help support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Windows and doors are another entry-point for a hurricane to cause disruption. Defective windows will allow wind and rain to enter into your property, and this can lead to water damage issues. When a hurricane is imminent, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters, make sure they are functioning and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep potential damage out of your residence. Also, remember that placing masking tape on your windows doesn't do anything to defend them. As for your doors, lock the deadbolts or any other locks to verify they don't pop open during heavy winds.
- Roof – A roof examination is important, and you should locate for any out of place shingles and other susceptible spots. Get some roof cement to repair any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to make sure your roof is secure to your home. Also, it's a good idea to seal any spots where wires enter into your house to prevent any water damage from occurring. In the course of your roof inspection, this is a good time to see if your gutters are clear of debris. Proper irrigation is vital for directing water away from your property during the hurricane.
- Your Property – Strolling through your outdoor property is another necessary measure you should take. Your trees and shrubs need some attention and might require some pruning. Any dead or loose branches can be threatening in extreme winds and could cause a lot of damage to your property. This also consists of items on your property such as patio furniture as well. Transfer any items that aren't secured to the ground or weighed down to a secure area before the wind can take them.
- Car – When you're caught up in protecting your home from a hurricane, it's understandable that you forget about your car. Make sure that your vehicle is filled with gas, that your tires are in good condition, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are working. If you have to park on the street, you'll want to check that you're not parked under any trees or in a location that is vulnerable to flooding.