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

Ruined structures, water damage and flooding are the usual scenarios after a hurricane passes through. Yet, there are a few fundamental methods you can take in order to prevent these incidents and any excessive storm damage repairs. It’s imperative to do anything you can to defend your property from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors protected. Below is a list of things to keep in mind while protecting your residence against the elements.

Things to Prepare When a Hurricane Is Scheduled

  • Garage Door – To prevent any major storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the primary things to take care. Most of the garage doors on the market aren’t designed to defend against hurricane conditions, so it’s critical to buy a brace kit. Through bracing your garage door, you’ll fight against the winds that cause a positive push in your space. This is critical since the winds outside will generate a negative pull above your garage. When this happens, you’ll get a tug-of-war scenario which puts a lot of pressure on your garage and roof. Getting a support kit for your garage door is the most efficient way to prevent major damage. However, if it’s too late to install braces, you can use your car to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Damaged windows don’t only allow the rain to get into your residence, but the wind that comes through can increase the pressure under your roof, which can lead to significant structural damage. Storm shutters are a great way to defend your residence during a storm. When a storm is looming, make sure the latches on your shutters are functioning properly and you may want to consider adding additional locks for added measure. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don’t have storm shutters, but it’s important to know that placing masking tape on your windows won’t do anything in a heavy storm. After your windows are secure, check your doors next. Verify that they’re stable and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
  • Roof – Your roof is your number one defender against Mother Nature, and that’s why it’s important to make sure it’s ready for a hurricane. Locate any out of place shingles and fix them with the proper roofing material, such as roofing cement. You’ll also want irrigation for the heavy rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn’t pool on your roof. You can then locate any wires that are going into your home and seal off any exposed gaps to block water damage from happening. Finally, assess whether it’s crucial to fasten your roof with hurricane straps.
  • Your Property – Strolling through your yard is another essential measure you should take. Your shrubs and trees need treatment and might necessitate some pruning. Any loose or dead branches can be threatening in extreme winds and could cause some damage to your home. This includes items on your lawn such as patio furniture too. Move any loose items to a secure location before the wind takes them away.
  • Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you’re protecting your property for a storm. But it’s important to get your vehicle ready too, so ensure you have: your gas tank filled, working windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed properly. In addition, be vigilant of where you park your vehicle, especially if you park on the street. Check that your vehicle isn’t beneath any trees or in an area that’s susceptible to floods.

Our Storm Damage Cleanup & Repair Services

Even with all the preventative measures you take in protecting your residence, there is only so much you can do. If your house succumbs to damage generated from a hurricane, contact the experts at Paul Davis. Our storm damage restoration and remediation services will get your house back to a healthy condition. Additionally, we work with different home insurers and we can help you determine if your damage is covered. Reach out to Paul Davis today at (845) 651-1850 to locate a franchise near your location.