Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane - Avoid Storm Damages

Damage caused by hurricanes can be disastrous for your property. The extreme winds can break windows, separate roofs and knock over trees and shrubs. Your property is also exposed to water damage from downpours. However, there are preventative measures you can take to secure your property from heavy weather conditions. Follow the guidelines below to assure you, your family and your residence is safeguarded from a hurricane and to prevent excessive storm damage repairs.

Necessary Methods in Hurricane Precautions

  • Garage Door – To prevent any major storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the first things to take care. Most of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren't designed to fight hurricane conditions, so it's essential to purchase a support kit. By bracing your garage door, you'll prevent the winds that create a positive push in your space. This is significant because the winds that develop outside will cause a negative pull above your garage. When this occurs, you'll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of stress on your roof and garage. Supporting your garage door with braces is an effective approach to prevent excessive damage. However, if don't have the time to install the garage door kit, you can use your automobile to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – A typical occurrence that's correlated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your doors and windows aren't secure this will allow the wind and rain to get into your home. When a hurricane is approaching, make sure your shutters are sturdy and in a working condition. The latches on your shutters should be stable and you'll also want to install locks on them. Boarding up your windows is also a great idea if you don't have storm shutters. One wrong impression that's passed around for window prep is that you can tape up the window; but this won't help at all. Also, ensure your doors are in strong condition and that the deadbolts are functioning right. You can also install braces on your doors for extra defense.
  • Roof – Your roof is a primary defense against the elements, and that's why it's critical to make sure it's prepared for hurricane season. Search for any out of place shingles and repair them with reliable roofing material, such as roofing cement. You'll also want irrigation for the strong rains, so clear out your gutters so the water doesn't pool on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are entering into your property and seal off any exposed gaps to prevent water damage from occurring. Finally, evaluate whether it's necessary to protect your roof with hurricane straps.
  • Your Property – Strolling through your yard is another essential measure you should take. Your shrubs and trees need some consideration and might require some pruning. Any dead or dangling branches can be hazardous in high winds and could cause excessive damage to your property. This pertains to items on your property like patio furniture as well. Transport any loose items to a secure location before the wind can take them.
  • Car – Aside from your house, it's necessary to take preventative measures with your automobile. Don't park your vehicle beneath any trees or in an area that floods easily. If you park on the street, you should really be watchful of where you park during a hurricane. Furthermore, prepare your vehicle, such as: making sure your tank is full, your windshield wipers are in good condition, your tires aren't worn out and that your windows are sealed correctly.

Contact a Local Paul Davis Franchise Today

In spite of all the necessary steps you take in safeguarding your residence, there is only so much you can do against storm damages. If your home experiences damage produced by a hurricane, reach out to the professionals at Paul Davis. The team at Paul Davis can bring back your property to its original status with our storm damage repair and remediation services. Additionally, we work with various home insurers and we can offer guidance and help you verify if your damage is covered. Call Paul Davis today at (705)360-1124 to find a franchise near you.