How to Safeguard Your Home from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage

Natural disasters can develop at any time, but hurricanes can at least be discovered prior to hitting your area. Preparation and planning are very effective things you can do when hurricane season approaches. Since your home is one of your biggest expenses, it’s a smart idea to do what you can to avoid the damages that hurricanes can bring to your home and to avoid any storm damage repair. There are many things to check up on when preparing your house for a hurricane. To safeguard your house from a hurricane, use the steps below.

Hurricane Planning Checklist – Best Approaches to Prevent Storm Damage

  • Garage Door – Start with your garage if your property has one, because this is one of the most vulnerable sections for storm damage. Strong winds can get through the typical residential garage door because they’re not installed with the extra support. What can take place is the wind will bring about a positive push inside your garage, and the wind outside of the structure creates a negative pull. When this happens, your garage and roof will undergo a lot of pressure because of this tug-of-war instance. To prevent a major storm damage repair, you can buy a kit that will help your garage door hold off hurricane conditions. This is the most reliable 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 blows in can increase the pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive structural damage. Storm shutters are an effective approach to secure your house during a storm. When a hurricane is on its way, make sure the latches are working properly and you may want to consider adding additional locks for added security. You can also board up your windows if you don’t have storm shutters, but it’s vital to know that putting masking tape on your windows won’t do anything to defend your home from a hurricane. After your windows are secure, check your doors next. Make sure they’re stable 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. Get some 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, it’s a good idea to seal any areas where wires enter into your home to avoid any water damage from happening. While you’re examining your roof, this is a good time to see if your gutters are clear of debris. You want to verify you have suitable irrigation for the pouring rain that happen during a hurricane.
  • Your Property – It’s important to clear your property of any loose items like patio furniture, children’s toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If it can be lifted from a strong wind storm, then clear it out and put it in a secure location so it doesn’t cause damage to your home and others’ around you. Furthermore, examine your trees and shrubbery for any dangling or dead limbs and trim them if they need it.
  • Car – When you’re caught up in securing your residence from a hurricane, it’s understandable that you forget about your automobile. Ensure that your car is filled with gas, that your tires aren’t worn down, the windows are sealed and that your windshield wipers are good. If you park your automobile on the street, you’ll want to make sure that you’re not parked under trees or in an area that is vulnerable to floods.

Reach Out to Paul Davis for Storm Damage Restoration

Even with all the necessary steps you take in protecting your house, there is only so much you can do against storm damages. If your property succumbs to damage produced by a hurricane, reach out to the professionals at Paul Davis. We can bring back your home to its original status with our storm damage repair and remediation services. In addition, we work with a variety of home insurers and we can help you determine if your damage is covered. Contact us today at (636) 324-4011 to find a franchise near your location.