How to Protect Your House from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage

Damage produced by hurricanes can be devastating for your house. The high winds can shatter windows, tear apart roofs and uproot trees. Your house is also prone to water damage and flooding from downpours. However, there are precautions you can take to protect your home from heavy weather conditions. Follow the guidelines below to assure you, your family and your property is protected from a hurricane and to avoid extreme storm damage restoration.

Things to Prepare When a Hurricane Approaches

  • Garage Door – To avoid any major storm damage repairs, your garage door should be one of the primary things to check for. A lot of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren’t installed to defend against hurricane conditions, so it’s important to buy a brace kit. By bracing your garage door, you’ll fight against the winds that generate a positive push in your space. This is important since the winds outside will generate 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 efficient way to avoid major damage. But, if it’s too late to install braces, you can use your vehicle to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the more frequent impairments associated with hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren’t safeguarded this will allow the wind and rain to get into your home. Before the storm hits, confirm that your shutters are durable and in a working condition. The latches need to be secure and you’ll also want to put additional locks on them. You can also board up your windows if you don’t have storm shutters. One wrong impression that’s passed around for window preparation is that you can use masking tape on the window; however, this doesn’t protect it at all. Additionally, verify that your doors are durable and that the deadbolts are functioning right. You can also brace your doors for extra security.
  • Roof – Your roof is a number one defense against Mother Nature, and that’s why it’s critical to make sure it’s prepared for hurricane season. Look out for any damaged shingles and fix them with roofing concrete. You’ll also want appropriate irrigation for the heavy rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn’t accumulate on your roof. You can then locate any wires that are entering into your home and seal off any unprotected gaps to stop water damage from occurring. Lastly, judge whether it’s crucial to protect your roof with hurricane straps.
  • Your Property – Your lawn can be a number one threat when a hurricane comes through. Items that aren’t weighed down or fastened to the ground could be picked from the extreme wind and be propelled into your residence and your neighbor’s too. Make sure to relocate any BBQs, garden accessories, children’s toys and patio furniture to a place safe from the storm. Another thing you’ll want to do is remove any dangling or dead branches from your trees and shrubs.
  • Car – When you’re concerned about securing your property from a hurricane, it’s understandable that you forget about your vehicle. Make sure that your vehicle is filled with gas, that your tires aren’t worn down, the windows are sealed and that your windshield wipers are working. If you park your vehicle on the street, you’ll want to verify that you’re not parked under any trees or in a location that is prone to flooding.

Experienced Storm Damage Restoration Contractors for Your Residence

Damages caused by hurricanes can be destructive, and there is only so much you can do to defend your house. If your property needs storm damage restoration services, reach out to Paul Davis. Our team of experts can fix and restore your property back to normal in a timely manner. You can rely on the expert storm damage restoration team at Paul Davis. Give us a call now at (205) 687-0556 and our local franchise will be there to help out.