If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, making your home hurricane-proof is a must. There are many ways to do this, and the best approach is to take a comprehensive approach. Here are some critical things to do to make your home hurricane-proof.
Invest in Quality Window and Door Glass
If you don’t already have them, you should invest in quality storm shutters and impact-resistant windows. Impact-resistant glass is designed to withstand heavy winds and flying debris. The best type of glass for hurricane protection is a laminated layer of polyvinyl butyral and a second layer of tempered glass. You can also buy interior shutters, a cost-effective way to give your home extra protection during intense storms. If possible, consider installing hurricane-resistant doors as well. This will ensure that your home is as secure as possible.
Install Hurricane Shutters on All Your Windows and Doors
Installing hurricane shutters on every window and door of your home is one of the smartest investments you can make. Not only will it protect your property from potential damage, but it will also significantly increase your home’s resale value. It’s best to get professional help when installing these shutters, as they must be securely fastened to the exterior surfaces to make sure they stay in place during high winds associated with hurricanes. Some countries even encourage homeowners to install hurricane shutters by offering tax credits for specific storm-proofing measures. So don’t wait. If you’re living in an area prone to hurricanes, check out what professionals suggest when installing hurricane shutters on your windows and doors.
Reinforce Your Roof
The roof is one of the essential parts of your home regarding hurricane protection, so make sure it’s up to the task. Strengthen the structure by adding hurricane straps or clips to keep the roof from lifting during high winds. You can also install additional support beams to help it stay in place. Ensure your gutter system can handle heavy rainfall and debris by cleaning the gutters regularly and establishing a quality leaf guard.
You should also trim all trees and shrubs around your property. Strong winds can quickly turn a large branch into a dangerous projectile, so ensuring that branches and shrubs are trimmed to reduce their size and weight is essential for protecting your home from damage during a storm. Don’t forget about trees closer to the ground, either. Low-hanging branches put windows and other parts of your house at risk of being smashed by falling debris in high-speed winds. Taking the time to trim these items before the storm appears could be the difference between keeping your home intact or suffering costly damage.
Don’t Forget Your Exterior Walls
Another critical step is to strengthen your home’s exterior walls. Add hurricane clips to hold the exterior walls in place, and ensure that your roof is securely fastened with steel straps. You can also add additional layers of protection such as foam insulation or structural sheathing over the wall boards. This will help protect against flying debris and strong winds. Finally, consider investing in a generator if the power goes out during a storm. A generator can help keep your essential appliances running and provide light in the event of an extended blackout. The last thing you need during a storm is to be stuck in the dark for hours on end with no way of powering anything.
Reinforce Your Garage Door as Well to Withstand High Winds
One step toward making your home hurricane-proof is reinforcing your garage door, as it is at risk of failure under the immense force of high winds. Taking the time to inspect, tighten, and seal all of the hardware on the garage door, including hinges and rollers, will go a long way in ensuring that it can withstand extreme conditions. Investing in galvanized or stainless steel track screws with large heads and high torques may also be beneficial, as they are strong enough to remain intact when facing winds up to 140 mph. Furthermore, adding extra horizontal bracing along each side of the door can minimize stress on the top and bottom sections during powerful gusts of wind. These steps will ensure that your home is prepared for weather events like hurricanes.
Have a Plan for Where You Will Go
It is always best to plan to protect your home during a hurricane. But if a storm is approaching and you must evacuate, make sure you have a plan for where you will go. Consider packing an emergency kit with food, water, blankets, and other necessities. Planning your escape route, even if it is just to a shelter in your area, can help make evacuation easier and quicker should an emergency arise.
Being prepared for a hurricane doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Following these simple tips, you can rest assured that you and your property will be as safe as possible if a hurricane hits. Rest assured that taking the time to make your home hurricane-proof can help provide peace of mind throughout the storm season and beyond.
