A Homeowners Guide to Protecting a House from a Hurricane

Natural disasters can happen at any time, but hurricanes can at least be detected before they hit your location. Planning and preparing are the most effective things you can execute when hurricane season comes around. Because your home is one of your most valuable expenses, 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 restoration. There are many things to check up on when safeguarding your home for the big storm. To safeguard your home from a hurricane, follow the approaches listed below.

Things to Keep in Mind When a Hurricane Is Scheduled

  • Garage Door – To avoid any major storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the primary things to take care. Most of the garage doors on the market aren’t designed to fight hurricane conditions, so it’s essential to buy a brace kit. By bracing your garage door, you’ll fight against the winds that cause a positive push in your garage. This is integral since the winds that develop outside will cause a negative pull above your garage. When this happens, you’ll get a tug-of-war scenario which puts a lot of stress on your roof and garage. Getting a brace kit for your garage door is an efficient way to avoid excessive damage. But, if it’s too late to install braces, you can use your vehicle to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the more common impairments associated with hurricanes, and when your windows and doors aren’t safeguarded this will allow the wind and rain to move in your home. Before the storm hits, check 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 board up your windows 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; however, this doesn’t help at all. Additionally, make sure your doors are durable and that the deadbolts are functioning properly. You can also brace your doors for extra defense.
  • Roof – Examining your roof is important before a hurricane passes through your location, and it can defend against property damage and provide you a sense of well-being. A great beginning point is to locate damaged shingles and use some roofing cement to fix them. Afterward, check to see if there are unprotected gaps where any wiring is entering in your home and seal them off. This can block water from coming into your home. You might want to think about obtaining hurricane straps to make sure your roof is fastened as well. Another thing to do is unclog your gutters so there’s appropriate irrigation for the heavy rains.
  • Your Property – It’s important to clear your lawn of any loose items such as patio furniture, children’s toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If the item can be lifted from a heavy gust of wind, then clear it out and put it in a safe area so it doesn’t cause damage to your property and others’ around you. Furthermore, inspect your trees and shrubbery for any dead or loose limbs and trim them if necessary.
  • Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you’re securing your home for a storm. But it’s a great idea to get your vehicle ready as well, so check that you have: a full tank of gas, working windshield wipers, good tires and your windows sealed. In addition, be conscious of where you park your vehicle, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your vehicle isn’t under any trees or in a location that’s vulnerable to flooding.

Paul Davis – Your Storm Damage Restoration Experts

Hurricanes can create much damage, and there is only so much you can do to safeguard your residence. When your home needs storm damage restoration services, contact Paul Davis. Our team of professionals can repair and restore your house back to normal in a timely manner. You can count on the professional storm damage restoration team at Paul Davis. Give us a call now at (402) 553-0373 and our local franchise will be there to help.