Undoubtedly, Boca Raton and the entire South Florida region are top destinations for people looking to invest in real estate and vacation homes around Florida and the United States. With its high ROI, perfect vacation spots, stunning beaches and parks, more people are coming in on a daily to invest in vacation homes and Airbnb properties around the area.
As a vacation homeowner in Parkland or an absentee homeowner in Boca Raton, you owe it to yourself to keep your investment property well-maintained and cared for at all times to get the most out of it. Especially with the summer and hurricane seasons just around the corner, Boca Raton homeowners need to get their properties in the area ready for the summer heat and the storms that come with the hurricane season. This will go a long way in ensuring the comfort, and safety of their family and that of their investment property.
In this post, the home watch experts at Safe Home Management share 7 tips on how homeowners and absentee homeowners can prepare their Boca Raton & Parkland homes for the summer heat and hurricane season. But, before you get started, make a quick read on our South Florida homeowner maintenance checklist to see what to look out for.
How to Get Ready for the Summer Heat and Hurricane Season in Boca
1. Evaluate Your Roof's Strength and Resilience
When hurricanes hit, the high winds and heavy rainfalls can seriously damage the roof of your Boca Raton home. Especially if it's already weak. Unfortunately, if your roof is damaged, it could worsen. Damages caused by water leaks can cost you a lot to fix. By simply evaluating your roof's condition, you can spot any issues early on and get them fixed before they turn into major headaches.
Inspect and repair your roof before the hurricane season. Check for loose or damaged shingles, tiles, or other components that could be dislodged by high winds. That way, you can ensure your home is protected during storms and stays in great shape for years to come.
2. Inspect Your Windows and Doors
During a hurricane, windows, and doors can be vulnerable points, letting water and wind into
your home. It is important that you inspect and reinforce your windows and doors for cracks, gaps, or other damage that could compromise their strengths. Additionally, you can install impact-resistant windows, hurricane shutters or plywood covers to fortify your windows and replace damaged weatherstripping and sealant around doors to keep water out.
3. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Landscaping, such as trees, shrubs, and outdoor décor, can become dangerous projectiles, causing great damage to your property when carried by storm. While they can provide shade during the summer, it's crucial to trim back any overgrowth and overhanging tree branches to prevent them from falling onto your home during a storm.
In addition, ensure to secure any outdoor furniture or décor that could be blown away by high
winds. Cleaning up any debris in your yard is another essential step to ensure your home and
property stay safe during a hurricane, reducing the risk of costly damage.
4. Have a Generator on Hand
Hurricanes are known to be a significant cause of power outages in Boca Raton. These outages
could last several days, leaving residents without power to run essential appliances, lights, and HVAC. However, with a generator on the ground, you can ensure that you have an alternative power source that you can rely on during an outage.
When purchasing a generator, ensure it's appropriately sized for your home and has enough wattage to power your essential appliances. Also, ensure you have enough fuel to run your generator for several days. And if you already have a backup generator, test and service it regularly to ensure it's working at its optimum and can power your essential appliances in case of an outage.
5. Service Your HVAC System
The hot and humid summer months in Boca Raton can be a real test for your HVAC (Heating,
Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. If it's not properly maintained or upgraded, it can
struggle to keep up with the demands of keeping your home cool and making you comfortable. To prepare your home for the summer heat and hurricane season, it's vital to maintain your air conditioning or HVAC system regularly. This includes cleaning or replacing the air filters, checking and cleaning the condenser coils, and ensuring proper airflow throughout your home.
Additionally, consider upgrading your system to a more energy-efficient model, saving you money on your energy bills and providing better performance.
6. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies
When preparing for the summer heat and hurricane season in Boca Raton, stocking up on
emergency supplies is crucial. After all, hurricane seasons are emergency seasons! These
supplies should include non-perishable food items, clean water, batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, and any necessary medications. It's also a good idea to keep
your car's gas tank full in case you need to evacuate. By having these emergency supplies on
hand, you'll be better prepared to weather any storm that comes your way.
7. Have a Plan
It's important to have a plan in place for evacuation routes, emergency shelters, and
communication with family members. You should also consider the needs of any elderly or
disabled family members, as well as your pets. To create an emergency plan, start by identifying
the potential risks in your area and the safest evacuation routes. Next, ensure everyone in your
household is aware of the plan and has a copy. It's also a good idea to designate a meetup place
in case you get separated from each other during the storm.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your Boca Raton home for the summer heat and hurricane season is essential for the comfort of your family and the safety of your property. It's not enough to simply close your shutters and doors hoping for the best. Even well-maintained homes can have design flaws that leave them vulnerable to damage from severe weather. To keep your home comfortable and safe, you must take the necessary precautions.
A better idea is to have your home inspected and prepared for the summer heat and storms by a home management expert in Boca Raton. Safe Home Management is one of the top-rated Boca Raton home management & home watch companies, and we can help you identify potential weaknesses and ensure your home is ready for whatever the summer heat and hurricane season may bring.
Don't wait until it's too late to protect your home and family. Contact us today to learn more about our storm preparedness & storm damage restoration services and how we can help you prepare your Boca Raton home for any situation.
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