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

Natural disasters can occur without a moment’s notice, but hurricanes can at least be revealed prior to hitting your location. Preparation and planning are the most effective things you can execute when a hurricane comes around. Because your home is one of your most valuable investments, it’s a smart idea to do what you can to avoid the damages that hurricanes can bring to your property and to avoid any storm damage repair. There are lots of things to check up on when preparing your property for a hurricane. To secure your property from a hurricane, use the steps below.

Things to Plan When a Hurricane Is Scheduled

  • Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is actually one of the most susceptible places when it comes to heavy weather conditions like 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 churning above your structure, this causes a negative pull. A push-pull combination develops, and this can put a lot of pressure on your roof and ultimately tear it off. To prevent this from happening, the best method is to buy a kit that braces your garage door. But if time isn’t on your side to install a kit, then you can utilize your automobile to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the most common impairments associated with hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren’t protected this will allow the storm to get into your home. Before the storm hits, verify that your shutters are sturdy and in a working condition. The latches on your shutters should be strong and you’ll also want to install locks on them. You can also shelter your windows with some OSB if you don’t have storm shutters. A common fallacy with window prep is that you can tape up the window; but this won’t help at all. Also, ensure your doors are in good condition and that the deadbolts are working properly. You can also install braces on your doors for added measure.
  • Roof – Your roof acts as a primary defense against the elements, and that’s why it’s important to ensure it’s ready for a hurricane. Locate any loose shingles and fix them with roofing concrete. You’ll also want proper irrigation for the heavy rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn’t pool on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are going into your property and seal off any vulnerable gaps to stop water damage from happening. Finally, judge whether it’s necessary to fasten your roof with hurricane straps.
  • Your Property – Walking around your outdoor property is another necessary step you should take. Your shrubs and trees need some attention and might require some pruning. Any dead or dangling limbs can be hazardous in windy conditions and could cause a lot of damage to your property. This includes items on your property such as patio furniture too. Move any items that aren’t fastened to the ground or weighed down to a secure location before the wind can take them.
  • Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you’re protecting your house for a hurricane. But it’s just as crucial to get your vehicle ready too, so make sure you have: your gas tank filled, working windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed properly. Furthermore, be conscious of where you park your vehicle, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your car isn’t under any trees or in a location that’s vulnerable to floods.

Paul Davis – Your Storm Damage Repair Experts

Paul Davis provides storm damage restoration and remediation services, so if your house has been damaged by a hurricane, contact our professional team. Unfortunately, you can only do so much prep work to combat the elements. We can restore your property back to normal, and we work with various insurance companies. The professional team at Paul Davis can help you calculate what’s covered with your policy. To find a Paul Davis franchise near your location, give us a call at (251) 948-2291.