Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damages

Natural disasters can take place at any time, but hurricanes can at least be discovered prior to hitting your area. When it’s hurricane season, it’s important to do some preparation. Since your house is one of your most valuable expenses, it’s a good idea to do what you can to prevent the perils that hurricanes can bring to your house and to prevent any storm damage repair. There are lots of things to check up on when prepping your house for a hurricane. To protect your house from a hurricane, use the steps below.

Ways to Brace for a Hurricane

  • Garage Door – Believe it or not, your garage is actually one of the most susceptible spots when it comes to extreme storms such as hurricanes. The reason why: the average garage door is not reinforced and heavy winds can get into the area. When this occurs, a positive push generates inside the garage, and as the winds are whirling above your structure, this creates a negative pull. With the push-pull combination, 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 method is to buy a kit that supports your garage door. But if time isn’t on your side to put in a garage door kit, then you can use your vehicle to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the most frequent impairments associated with hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren’t secure this will allow the wind and rain to move in your house. Before the storm reaches your location, make sure your shutters are sturdy and in a functional condition. The latches should be stable and it may be necessary to put additional locks on them. Boarding up your windows is also an effective approach if you don’t have storm shutters. One wrong impression that’s been taught for window prep is that you can tape up the window; but this doesn’t secure it at all. Also, make sure your doors are durable and that the deadbolts are functioning right. You can also use braces on your doors for added measure.
  • Roof – Conducting a quick checkup on your roof prior to a hurricane can save you from excessive property damage. The primary thing you’ll want to look for is loose shingles and apply some roofing cement to repair them. Next, check to see if there are exposed gaps where any wiring is coming into your house and seal them. This can stop water from entering your house. You might want to consider getting hurricane straps to ensure your roof is secure too. Also, you’ll want to unclog your gutters so there’s proper irrigation for the heavy rains.
  • Your Property – It’s essential to clear your yard of any loose items like patio furniture, children’s toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If it can be picked up from a heavy gust of wind, then relocate it to a safe location so it doesn’t cause damage to your house and others’ around you. Additionally, examine your trees and shrubbery for any dead or loose branches and trim them if necessary.
  • Car – Aside from your house, you should also take precautions with your vehicle. Don’t park your vehicle beneath any trees or in an area that floods easily. If you rely on street parking, you should really be cautious of where you park during a hurricane. In addition, prepare your vehicle, such as: ensuring your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are in good condition, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed properly.

Paul Davis’ Storm Damage Cleanup & Repair Services

In spite of all the preventative measures you take in protecting your house, there is only so much you can do. If your property succumbs to damage generated from a hurricane, contact the professionals at Paul Davis. Our storm and hurricane damage repair and remediation services will get your property back to normal again. We also work with different insurance companies and we can help you verify if your damage is covered. Reach out to us today at (863) 644-7373 to locate a franchise near your location.