Hurricane season is no friend to your outdoor patio or deck. It is essential to prepare ahead of time as weather and hurricanes can be unpredictable. Hurricanes are one of the deadliest natural disasters today. They present a severe threat to coastal and inland homes and buildings across the globe. Coastal structures typically receive the heaviest rainfall and high winds. These weather forces can also damage structures that are hundreds of miles inland. Remember safety is the number one priority, but there is a way to prepare your deck ahead of time.
Preparation is Key
Outdoor patio and deck items can become severely damaged or even lost during a storm. Even worse, they can become dangerous projectiles that can damage your home or injure others. This can be concerning but the good news is there are plenty of steps you can take to clean up and secure your patio or deck space! The first thing you should work on is securing your outdoor furniture and any other loose items you have around. These loose items could consist of potted plants, gardening and pool equipment, toys, and décor. When dealing with heavier outdoor items that cannot be brought inside, they must be tied down or anchored in some way. It is also good to note that items like grills and propane tanks, should not be brought indoors. They should be anchored outdoors.
Forecast Heavy Rainfall & High Winds
During a hurricane, there tends to be heavy rainfall, so it is important to turn off the sprinkler systems. Too wet soil combined with high winds can lead to uprooted trees on your patio. Speaking of water, when dealing with a pool or hot tub, it is advised that you do not use a pool cover. This is because the cover becomes another heavy and unsecured object. There is also a misconception about draining your swimming pool. The water in your pool serves as protection against flying debris and pressure that could cause the pool to pop out of the ground. It is recommended that you keep your pool as is or drain only 1-2 feet to protect your property. If you are not sure how to proceed, contact a pool service ahead of time. Excess water can always be a danger to your property or outdoor space. So always ensure that your patio rain covers are waterproof and not just water-resistant. The term waterproof means that it is impermeable no matter how much time it spends in the water. Water resistance is an item’s ability to resist water penetration to a certain degree but not always entirely.
Hurricane season can be a nerve-racking time but taking all the right precautions can calm the nerves! Securing your deck or patio is essential or it can be left in ruins when heavy rains and high winds are present. Always contact a professional if you have any questions or concerns and most importantly stay safe!
Atlantis Rail Systems: The Leader in Cable Railing Systems
To learn more about beautiful and practical cable railing systems for your deck, stairs, and balconies, browse the Atlantis Rail Systems website. This Plymouth, MA-based company offers many unique, easy-to-install configurations complete with all necessary hardware to ensure a safe and code-compliant railing system.
For more information on planning cable railings for decks, contact the railing experts at Atlantis Rail Systems at 1-800-541-6829 or by completing the Contact Us Form.
Sources:
https://www.retractableawnings.com/news/how-prepare-your-patio-hurricane-season/