Hurricane Defense – Bracing Your Home from Probable Damage
Natural disasters can strike at any time, but hurricanes can at least be observed prior to hitting your location. Preparation and planning are the most effective things you can execute when hurricane season approaches. Because your house is one of your most valuable expenses, it's a smart idea to do what you can to avoid the damages that hurricanes can bring to your house and to prevent any storm damage restoration. There are many things to keep in mind when safeguarding your house for the ensuing storm. To secure your house from a hurricane, use the methods listed below.Things to Plan When a Hurricane Is Scheduled
- Garage Door – Begin with your garage if your house has one, because this is one of the most vulnerable sections for storm damage. Typically, garage doors don't have the support to fight high winds. What can happen is the wind will create a positive push inside your garage, and the wind outside of it causes a negative pull. When this takes place, your garage and roof will sustain a lot of stress because of this tug-of-war situation. To prevent an excessive storm damage restoration, you can buy braces that will help your garage door combat 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 vehicle to help brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – The other vulnerable areas in your house are your access points like your doors and windows. Broken windows will allow rain and wind to enter into your house, and this can lead to water damage problems. When a hurricane is imminent, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters, make sure they are in good condition and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep probable destruction out of your home. Additionally, keep in mind that placing masking tape on your windows won't secure them at all. Concerning your doors, utilize the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to make sure they don't pop open during strong winds.
- Roof – Administering a quick checkup on your roof before a hurricane hits your location can save you from excessive property damage. A good starting point is to check for loose shingles and apply some roofing cement to fix them. Afterward, look for any exposed gaps where any wiring is coming into your house and seal them. Small gaps may not seem like an issue, but sealing them off can stop water from coming into your house. You might want to think about obtaining hurricane straps to make sure your roof is fastened too. Also, you'll want to unclog your gutters so there's proper irrigation for the strong rains.
- Your Property – Have a stroll through your yard before the storm hits. Your trees and shrubs need attention and might necessitate some trimming. Any loose or dead limbs can be threatening in windy conditions and could cause a lot of damage to your house. This includes items in your yard like patio furniture as well. Transport any loose items to a safe location before the wind takes them away.
- Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you're protecting your house for a hurricane. But it's important to get your vehicle ready as well, so make sure you have: your gas tank filled, working windshield wipers, good tires and your windows sealed. Furthermore, be cautious of where you park, especially if you rely on street parking. Check that your car isn't under any trees or in a location that's susceptible to flooding.