3 Steps to Prevent Water Intrusion from Hurricanes
7/23/2021 (Permalink)
Hurricane season has begun. In fact, the Gulf Coast has already experienced its first named storm of the season—Elsa. Over the next few months, we will likely experience more tropical storms or hurricanes. It is important to be prepared for these potential storms. Water intrusion from hurricanes can be extremely destructive. So, how can you prevent water intrusion from hurricanes? Here are our top three suggestions: Have Your Roof Inspected Prior to the start of hurricane season (or now, since it’s already started), have your roof inspected by a certified roofer or restoration professional. Some might even use a drone to view your roof rather than having to climb all over it. Finding a leak and repairing it prior to a storm hitting can help protect your home from damaging water intrusion from hurricanes or tropical storms. Use Sand Bags The use of sandbags is an effective way to prevent or reduce water damage to your home or business. They act as a barrier to divert water around your building, not through it. If a storm is approaching, gather enough sandbags to help protect the perimeter of your home. Assess your situation and decide where water is most likely to seep into your home. This could mean that you place sandbags against garage doors, front doors, or sliding doors. Keep in mind that any entryway on ground level could be an opening for water intrusion due to flooding. Install Hurricane Shutters or Plywood as Necessary Many homes in our area have hurricane shutters—layers of metal specifically crafted to fit each of your windows, which are then bolted to the exterior of your home. However, if you do not already have shutters, you need to figure out how you will cover your windows if a strong hurricane is approaching. Plywood can also be used to board up windows and doors. If you have hurricane shutters, install them before the storm arrives. Both plywood and shutters will help protect you from glass breakage due to wind or flying projectiles, which would then allow water to enter your home. Do You Have Water Damage? If you have damage to your home or business that has been caused by water intrusion from hurricanes or other storms, call SERVPRO of West Bradenton/Anna Maria at (941) 792-7715. Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours, and neither do we. Our team provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.