Hurricane Defense – Bracing Your House from Potential Disaster

Structural destruction, water damage and flooding are the usual scenarios after a hurricane passes through. Yet, there are a few fundamental methods you can execute in order to avoid these scenarios and any major storm damage restorations. It’s crucial to do anything you can to protect your property from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors safe. Listed below are approaches to keep in mind while prepping your residence against the elements.

How to Brace for a Hurricane

  • Garage Door – If your residence has a garage, this may be one of the first things to prep. Typically, garage doors don’t have the support to fight high winds. What can take place is the wind will bring about a positive push in your garage, and the wind outside of the structure causes a negative pull. When this happens, your roof and garage will sustain a lot of pressure because of this push-pull instance. To avoid a major storm damage repair, you can buy braces that will help your garage door fight hurricane conditions. This is the most efficient step, but if you don’t have the time to install a kit, then you can use your automobile to help support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Broken windows don’t only allow the rain to get into your house, but the wind that comes in can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive damage to your structure. Storm shutters are an efficient approach to protect your residence during a storm. When a hurricane is looming, ensure the latches are functioning properly and you may want to think about installing additional locks for added measure. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don’t have shutters, but it’s important to note that putting masking tape on your windows won’t do anything to defend your property from a hurricane. When your windows are secure, check your doors next. Verify that they’re reliable and that the deadbolts are in working order.
  • Roof – A roof inspection is important, and you should look out for any loose shingles and other susceptible areas. Get some roof cement to mend any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to ensure your roof is fastened to your house. Additionally, it’s a good idea to seal any spots where wires enter into your house to prevent any water damage from happening. During your roof inspection, this is a good time to see if your gutters are congested. You want to make sure you have good irrigation for the heavy rains that occur during a hurricane.
  • Your Property – The outside of your property can be a number one risk when a hurricane approaches. Items that aren’t weighed down or fastened to the ground could be picked from the high wind and be launched into your house and your neighbor’s as well. Make sure to relocate any children’s toys, patio furniture, BBQs and garden accessories to a location safe from the storm. Another thing you need to do is remove any dangling or dead limbs from your trees and shrubs.
  • Car – Your car can easily be forgotten when you’re prepping your home for a hurricane. But it’s a good idea to get your car ready as well, so check that you have: a full tank of gas, good windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed. Additionally, be conscious of where you park your car, especially if you rely on street parking. Check that your car isn’t beneath any trees or in a location that’s prone to flooding.

Reach Out to Paul Davis for Storm Damage Repair

Paul Davis provides storm damage restoration services, so if your home has been injured by a hurricane, reach out to our expert team. After all, there is only so much you can do to defend against the elements. We can fix and restore your property back to normal, and we work with a range of home insurers. We can help you examine what’s covered under your insurance. For a Paul Davis franchise near your location, give us a call at (614) 367-9611.