Hurricane season is always a tense time for those who live in hurricane-prone areas. There is that constant underlying fear that a hurricane could hit at any time and pose a direct threat to your home. All you have to do is take a look at the news to understand just how extensive the damage can be. Even a Category 1 hurricane can cause substantial damage. And because you can’t just pick up your house and place it outside a hurricane-prone area, it’s important to take preventative and protective steps.
Here we’ll take a look at which areas of the home are most vulnerable to hurricane damage, and some tips to help safeguard it.
The Roof
If you were to name one area that is extremely vulnerable to hurricane damage, it has to be the roof. High winds are part of a hurricane and depending on the age, current condition and type of roof you have, it may not be able to stand up to the wind. It may just damage some areas of the roof, or you could be dealing with a total loss.
To help prevent this from happening, be sure to constantly inspect your roof for signs of wear and tear and address those issues immediately.
The Windows
Just as with the roof, windows are also prone to hurricane damage. The force of the wind can cause them to break and pose a danger to those sheltering in the home. Reinforced windows that have been properly installed are the best way to prevent this from happening. If you live in an area that experiences multiple hurricanes and strong storms, installing storm shutters on all the windows is also wise.
The Garage Door
A garage is a feature that many homeowners love. It’s perfect for parking your vehicle and/or acting as storage. When a storm hits, however, the garage door doesn’t offer much in terms of protection. They are typically very lightweight which means the wind can damage them and even force the door off the track. Be sure the door and the parts, such as center supports and hinges, are all of high quality.
Not All Damage Can Be Prevented
At the end of the day, even being aware of the most vulnerable spots in your home and taking the proper measures to safeguard them isn’t always enough. Hurricanes are extremely powerful, and your home may still sustain serious storm damage.
If you’re dealing with a property loss claim, it’s best to contact us, the professionals at Storm Damage. A property loss claim can be extremely stressful and typically involves such things as:
- Getting repair estimates
- Preparing your property loss claim
- Submitting the claim
- Dealing with the insurance company
Even after all of that, you may feel the insurance company is underpaying your claim. It’s for these reasons and more that we here at Storm Damage can prove essential during this time. We’ve got a team of consultants, attorneys and contractors that will assist you throughout the process and answer all your questions.
Come and visit our offices at 200 Lake Morton Drive, Suite 300, Lakeland, FL 33801.
Don’t have the time to visit us? Call us today for a free consultation at (833) 941-7867.
Let us at Storm Damage help you through this stressful time.