How to Safeguard Your Home from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage

Flooding, structural loss and water damage are the usual cases for a post-hurricane environment. Yet, there are a few essential methods you can execute in order to avoid these incidents and any excessive storm damage restorations. It's imperative to do anything you can to secure your home from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors safe. Below is a list of things to keep in mind while preparing your residence against the elements.

How to Brace for a Hurricane

  • Garage Door – To avoid any extreme storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the primary things to check for. Most of the garage doors on the market aren't designed to defend against hurricane conditions, so it's critical to buy a support kit. Through supporting your garage door, you'll fight against the winds that generate a positive push in your space. This is crucial since the winds outside will create a negative pull above your garage. When this happens, you'll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of pressure on your roof and garage. Buying a support kit for your garage door is the most effective approach to avoid major damage. But, if don't have the time to install braces, you can use your car to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Windows and doors are another entrance for a storm to create havoc. Damaged windows will allow rain and wind to enter into your home, and this can lead to water damage issues. When a storm is on the way, make sure you lock and secure your windows. If you have storm shutters, ensure they are functioning and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep probable damage out of your residence. Also, keep in mind that using masking tape on your windows doesn't secure them at all. Concerning your doors, lock the deadbolts or any other locks to verify they don't pop open during strong winds.
  • Roof – Your roof is a primary defense against the elements, and that's why it's important to ensure it's prepared for a hurricane. Look out for any out of place shingles and repair them with roofing concrete. You'll also want good irrigation for the strong rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn't accumulate on your roof. You can then find any wires that are entering into your home and seal off any vulnerable gaps to stop water damage from occurring. At last, judge whether it's imperative to attach your roof with hurricane straps.
  • Your Property – It's significant to clear your lawn of any loose items like garden accessories, patio furniture and children's toys. If it can be lifted from a strong wind storm, then clear it out and put it in a safe location so it doesn't cause damage to your home and others' around you. Additionally, examine your trees and shrubbery for any dead or loose branches and trim them if they need it.
  • Car – Your car can easily be forgotten when you're preparing your residence for a storm. But it's just as crucial to get your car ready as well, so make sure you have: your gas tank filled, good windshield wipers, good tires and your windows sealed. Additionally, be cognizant of where you park, especially if you park on the street. Make sure your car isn't beneath any trees or in a location that's vulnerable to floods.

Paul Davis - Your Hurricane Damage Repair Experts

In spite of all the preventative measures you take in defending your residence, there is only so much you can do against storm damages. If your home 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 home back to a healthy condition. We also work with a variety of home insurers and we can help you figure out if your damage is covered. Reach out to Paul Davis today at (705)949-9631 to locate a franchise near your location.