Natural disasters can occur at any time, but hurricanes can at least be detected prior to hitting your area. Planning and preparing are the most fundamental things you can do when a hurricane approaches. Because your home is one of your most valuable investments, it’s a smart idea to do what you can to avoid the damages that hurricanes can bring to your home and to prevent any storm damage repair. There are a lot of things to check up on when safeguarding your property for a hurricane. To defend your property from a hurricane, use the steps below.
Things to Prepare When a Hurricane Is En Route
- Garage Door – Believe it or not, your garage is actually one of the more susceptible spots when it comes to extreme storms like hurricanes. The explanation: the average garage door is not supported and heavy winds can get into the area. When this occurs, a positive push generates inside the garage, and as the winds are swirling above it, this creates a negative pull. A push-pull combination is created, and this can put a lot of pressure on your roof and ultimately tear it off. To avoid this from taking place, the best approach is to purchase a kit that supports your garage door. But if it’s too late to put in a garage door kit, then you can use your car to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – The other susceptible areas in your property are your entrances like your windows and doors. Busted windows will allow wind and rain to enter into your home, and this can lead to water damage issues. 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 probable damage out of your home. Also, remember that placing masking tape on your windows won’t secure them at all. Regarding your doors, utilize the deadbolts or any other locks to confirm they don’t pop open during heavy wind gusts.
- Roof – Make sure to scan your roof for any out of place shingles and other susceptible areas. Get some roof cement to secure 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 spots where wires enter into your home to avoid any water damage from occurring. In the course of your roof inspection, check to see if your gutters are clear of debris. You want to confirm you have good irrigation for the pouring rain that happen during a hurricane.
- Your Property – It’s significant to clear your lawn of any loose items like patio furniture, children’s toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If the item can be lifted from a strong wind storm, then clear it out and put it in a safe location so it doesn’t cause damage to your home and others’ around you. Additionally, inspect your trees for any dead or loose limbs and trim them if they need it.
- Car – When you’re caught up in protecting your home from a hurricane, it’s understandable that you forget about your car. Ensure that you have a full tank of gas, that your tires have good tread, the windows are sealed and that your windshield wipers are good. If you have to park on the street, you’ll want to make sure that you’re not parked under any trees or in an area that is prone to floods.
Paul Davis’ Hurricane Damage Cleanup & Repair Services
Even with all the necessary steps you take in defending your property, there is only so much you can do against storm damages. If your home experiences damage produced by a hurricane, contact the experts at Paul Davis. Our storm damage restoration and remediation services will get your home back to a healthy condition. In addition, we work with a variety of insurance companies and we can offer guidance and help you verify if your damage is covered. Get in touch with Paul Davis today at 724-799-8290 to locate a franchise near you.
