A Homeowners Guide to Securing a House from a Hurricane
Natural disasters can strike at any time, but hurricanes can at least be revealed prior to hitting your area. Preparation and planning are the most fundamental things you can execute when a hurricane approaches. Since your home is one of your most valuable investments, it's a smart idea to do what you can to prevent the damages that hurricanes can bring to your property and to avoid any storm damage repair. There are many things to check up on when prepping your home for the big storm. To protect your home from a hurricane, use the methods listed below.How to Prepare for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – To avoid any major storm damage repairs, your garage door should be one of the first things to check for. Most of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren't installed to combat hurricane conditions, so it's critical to purchase a support kit. Through supporting your garage door, you'll have defense against the winds that generate a positive push in your garage. This is critical since the winds that develop outside will cause a negative pull above your garage. When this happens, you'll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of pressure on your garage and roof. Supporting your garage door with braces is an effective approach to prevent excessive damage. But, if don't have the time to install braces, you can use your car to brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the most common hardships associated with hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren't safeguarded this will allow the wind and rain to move in your home. Before the storm reaches your location, confirm that your shutters are sturdy and in a functional condition. The latches should be secure and it may be necessary to put additional locks on them. Boarding up your windows is also an effective method if you don't have shutters. One wrong impression that's passed around for window prep is that you can place masking tape on the window; but this won't help at all. Also, make sure your doors are in good condition and that the deadbolts are functioning right. You can also install braces on your doors for added measure.
- Roof – Inspecting your roof is important before a hurricane passes through your area, and it can defend against property damage and provide you peace-of-mind. A good starting point is to check for loose shingles and use some roofing cement to repair them. Next, check to see if there are exposed gaps where any wiring is entering in your home and seal them. This can block water from coming into your home. You might want to consider getting hurricane straps to make sure your roof is fastened too. Another thing to do is clean out your gutters so there's good irrigation for the strong rains.
- Your Property – Take a stroll through your yard before the storm hits. Your trees and shrubs need some attention and might necessitate some trimming. Any dead or loose limbs can be threatening in windy conditions and could cause excessive damage to your property. This includes items in your yard like patio furniture too. Transfer any items that aren't secured to the ground or weighed down to a secure place before the wind can take them.
- Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you're protecting your property for a storm. But it's just as critical to get your vehicle ready too, so check that you have: your gas tank filled, good windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed. Furthermore, be mindful of where you park your vehicle, especially if you rely on street parking. Check that your car isn't beneath any trees or in a location that's prone to floods.