A Homeowners Method to Protecting a Home from a Hurricane

Damage produced from hurricanes can be devastating for your home. The huge gusts of winds can smash windows, separate roofs and uproot trees. Your home is also prone to water damage from the heavy rains. Nevertheless, there are precautions you can take to protect your home from heavy weather conditions. Follow the practices listed below to ensure you, your family and your house is safeguarded from a hurricane and to avoid the need for storm damage restoration.

How to Brace for a Hurricane

  • Garage Door – To avoid any extreme storm damage repairs, your garage door should be one of the first things to take care. A lot of the garage doors on the market aren’t installed to combat hurricane conditions, so it’s critical to buy a support kit. Through supporting your garage door, you’ll prevent the winds that cause a positive push in your space. This is significant because the winds that develop outside will generate a negative pull above your garage. When this occurs, you’ll get a tug-of-war scenario which puts a lot of stress on your roof and garage. Supporting your garage door with braces is the most effective way to avoid major damage. However, if don’t have the time to install the garage door kit, you can use your vehicle to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Busted windows don’t only allow the rain to get into your home, but the wind that blows in can increase the pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive damage to your structure. Storm shutters are an effective method to protect your house during a hurricane. When a storm is on its way, make sure the latches are working properly and you may want to think about installing additional locks for added protection. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don’t have shutters, but it’s vital to note that putting masking tape on your windows won’t do anything in a heavy storm. After your windows are secure, move to your doors next. Verify that they’re durable and that the deadbolts are in working order.
  • Roof – Make sure to scan your roof for any out of place shingles and other susceptible spots. You can use roof cement to mend any loose shingles, and you should consider 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 avoid any water damage from occurring. While you’re inspecting your roof, this is a good time to see if your gutters are cleaned out. Proper irrigation is vital for directing water away from your property during the hurricane.
  • Your Property – It’s significant to clear your property of any loose items such as patio furniture, children’s toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If the item can be lifted from a strong wind storm, then relocate it to a secure location so it doesn’t cause damage to your home and others’ around you. Additionally, check your trees and shrubbery for any dangling or dead branches and trim them if necessary.
  • Car – When you’re worried about safeguarding your house from a hurricane, it’s easy to forget about your car. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas, that your tires aren’t worn down, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are working. If you have to park on the street, you’ll want to verify that you’re not parked under trees or in a location that is prone to floods.

Get Hurricane Damage Restoration Services for Your House through Paul Davis

Despite all the precautions you take in safeguarding your house, there is only so much you can do. If your home succumbs to damage produced by a hurricane, reach out to the experts at Paul Davis. We can bring back your home to where it was with our storm damage restoration and remediation services. We also work with various insurance companies and we can offer guidance and help you figure out if your damage is covered. Get in touch with us today at (614) 367-9611 to find a franchise near your location.