A Homeowners Guide to Defending a House from a Hurricane

Natural disasters can take place at any time, but hurricanes can at least be revealed before they hit your location. Hurricane season is a time for planning. Since your home is one of your biggest expenses, it’s a smart idea to do what you can to prevent the damages that hurricanes can bring to your home and to avoid any storm damage repair. There are lots of things to keep in mind when preparing your property for the ensuing storm. To safeguard your property from a hurricane, use the steps below.

Essential Approaches in Hurricane Precautions

  • Garage Door – Start with your garage if your home has one, because this is one of the more vulnerable sections for storm damage. Most garage doors don’t have the support to combat high winds. What can take place is the wind will produce a positive push inside your garage, and the wind outside of it causes a negative pull. When this happens, your garage and roof will undergo a lot of pressure because of this push-pull situation. To prevent an excessive storm damage repair, you can purchase braces that will help your garage door resist hurricane conditions. This is the most effective approach, but if you don’t have the time to install a kit, then you can use your car to help brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Doors and windows are another access-point for a storm to create disruption. Shattered windows will allow wind and rain to enter into your home, and this can cause water damage problems. When a storm is imminent, make sure you lock 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 possible destruction out of your residence. Also, keep in mind that using masking tape on your windows doesn’t do anything to defend them. Concerning your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to verify they don’t pop open during heavy wind gusts.
  • Roof – Make sure to check out your roof for any loose shingles and other vulnerable spots. You can use roof cement to repair any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to make sure your roof is fastened to your home. Also, you’ll want to seal any areas where wires enter into your home to prevent any water damage from occurring. While you’re examining your roof, this is a good time to see if your gutters are congested. You want to verify you have suitable irrigation for the pouring rain that happen during a hurricane.
  • Your Property – It’s necessary to clear your property of any loose items such as patio furniture, children’s toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If it can be picked up from a strong wind storm, then relocate it to a safe area so it doesn’t cause damage to your home and others’ around you. Additionally, examine your trees and shrubbery for any dangling or dead branches and trim them if necessary.
  • Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you’re preparing your property for a storm. But it’s a good idea to get your vehicle ready as well, so check that you have: a full tank of gas, good windshield wipers, good tires and your windows sealed properly. In addition, be attentive of where you park your vehicle, especially if you rely on street parking. Check that your vehicle isn’t under any trees or in a location that’s prone to floods.

Paul Davis – Your Hurricane Damage Repair Professionals

Paul Davis provides storm damage repair services, so if your property has been harmed by a hurricane, reach out to our expert team. After all, there is only so much you can do to combat the elements. We can restore your home back to normal, and we work with a range of home insurers. We can help you determine what’s covered with your policy. To locate a Paul Davis franchise in your area, give us a call at (402) 553-0373.