Damages induced from hurricanes can be destructive for your home. The extreme weather conditions can impair any home like shatter windows, tear apart roofs and uproot trees and shrubs. Your home is also susceptible to water damage and flooding from the heavy rains. However, there are approaches you can take to defend your house from heavy storms. Follow the practices listed below to make sure you, your family and your home is secure from a hurricane and to avoid the need for storm damage repairs.
How to Plan for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – Believe it or not, your garage is actually one of the more susceptible spots when it comes to extreme storms like hurricanes. The logic behind it: most garage doors are not supported and heavy winds can get into the area. When this occurs, you get a positive push in the garage, and as the winds are churning above it, this causes a negative pull. With the push-pull combo, this can put a lot of stress on your roof and eventually it could rip it off your garage. To prevent this from happening, the best technique is to buy a kit that supports your garage door. Although, if time isn’t on your side to install a kit, then you can utilize your car to brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Doors and windows are another access-point for a storm to cause chaos. Busted windows will allow rain and wind to move through your house, and this can cause water damage issues. When a storm is imminent, make sure you lock and secure your windows. If you have storm shutters installed, 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 won’t do anything to secure them. Concerning your doors, utilize the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to verify they don’t pop open during heavy wind gusts.
- Roof – Your roof acts as a primary defense against Mother Nature, and that’s why it’s crucial to make sure it’s prepared for a hurricane. Locate any out of place shingles and mend them with the proper roofing material like roofing cement. You’ll also want appropriate irrigation for the pouring rains, so clean out your gutters so the water doesn’t accumulate on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are going into your house and seal off any exposed gaps to block water damage from occurring. At last, judge whether it’s imperative to protect your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – It’s important to clear your lawn of any loose items such as garden accessories, patio furniture and children’s toys. If the item can be lifted from a heavy gust of wind, then clear it out and put it in a secure area so it doesn’t cause damage to your house and others’ around you. Additionally, examine your trees for any dangling or dead limbs and trim them if necessary.
- Car – When you’re caught up in protecting your property from a hurricane, it’s easy to forget about your car. Ensure that your car is filled with gas, that your tires are in good condition, the windows are sealed and that your windshield wipers are good. If you have to park on the street, you’ll want to verify that you’re not parked under trees or in an area that is prone to floods.
Get in Touch with Paul Davis for Storm Damage Repair
Even with all the precautions you take in securing your home, there is only so much you can do. If your house experiences damage generated from a hurricane, reach out to the professionals at Paul Davis. We can restore your property back to its original status with our storm damage restoration and remediation services. We also work with various home insurers and we can help you figure out if your damage is covered. Contact us today at 682-730-6106 to find a franchise near your area.
