Hurricanes and storm-related floods cost billions of dollars in damage to families each year. Suppose you happen to live among the most vulnerable places. In that case, it’s best to prepare your property before any hurricane activity strikes again.
Say you have a property by the shore. It’s more important than ever to pay as much attention to the weather prediction throughout the summer and autumn, popularly known as storm season. Cyclones are most likely to strike starting in rainy months, with many of them causing significant damage and destruction to homes.
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Protecting your Home
As a landowner in one of the many hurricane hotspots, you’ll want to make proactive efforts to secure your property all year, not only during peak season. Many storm-preparation specialists would claim several areas to prioritize when hurricane-proofing your house. Among these areas involve the following:
Windows
When it pertains to storm damage, windows and shutters are among the most susceptible sections of a property. It is better to have storm-impact windows with robust frames that can withstand shattering and projectiles at speeds of up to several miles per hour. In addition to managing the property itself, high-impact windows assist in minimizing water penetration and might even decrease the cost of your insurance rates.
Several coastal areas began enforcing construction standards following the significant damage caused by hurricanes in the previous year. These standards required architects and builders to construct new residences with high-impact windows. However, if your house is older, you might like to consider improving it.
Roofing
Many people have seen how a hurricane can lead to blown-off roofing and devastating houses. The lack of high-impact roofing might happen even for winds with lesser strength.
Metal roofing is by far the most storm-resistant roofing material, with a capacity to cover wind speeds of up to several miles per hour. Metal roofs—often made of steel, tin, aluminum, or zinc—are a more costly alternative. These can last for several decades and are more durable than asphalt types.
Entry Points
Because garage doors seem to be the most extensive access point into your house, they are particularly vulnerable during a storm. High winds might push a garage out of the aperture, allowing air pressure to pile up and possibly blow the roof off when a garage is not impact-rated.
If you live in a hurricane-prone location, investing in a storm-resistant entry point is essential. These doorways contain steel reinforcements, additional hardware, and components that give greater strength and endurance against extreme wind forces. Check the manufacturer’s standards for atmospheric drag and make sure they satisfy any local code requirements.
HVAC System
A massive storm can quickly destroy a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. To help limit damage and preserve safe indoor air quality during a storm, you should include professional techniques. These techniques are beneficial, especially when using hurricane straps to secure the unit or putting a protective cage over the unit to prevent debris from reaching the system.
Maintenance
Don’t forget to periodically clear out built-up debris present in your home, especially outdoor areas. Clean gutters and drains will allow water to drain more quickly and prevent roof leaks. And while you’re at it, check for any loose drainages to keep them from being blown away by hurricane winds.
Reroute your downspout apart from your home’s structure. Doing so will help keep rainfall as far away from your property as possible. What’s more, you can check your exterior pipes. If you reside in a hurricane-prone location, be proactive about drain maintenance and repairs. A single blocked area drain could cause a mountain of water issues.
Clearing Outdoor Items
If a storm is on its approach, make sure you remove any lawn furnishings, gardening tools, sports equipment, and other outside goods. Strong winds during a storm could pick up these goods and send things flying through a window, causing not just damage to property but also significant harm to a person. Also, make sure that all of your doors and windows are closed.
Dangerous Weather Events
Tropical storms are prevalent, and the intensity of cyclone activity has grown in recent years. Due to severe winds and high seas, properties will be destroyed or damaged during such disasters. According to hurricane forecasters, people must always take precautionary measures to prepare for the effects of severe weather. Suppose your house is in the direction of one of these destructive storms. A little forethought will go a long way toward safeguarding your property and the people who reside in it.
When it comes to storm-proofing your home, the best approach is to plan each step. But what if the hurricane is heading your way and you only have limited time to prepare? Knowing the techniques discussed here can help with your last-minute preparations and reduce damage to our home.
Meta title: Essential Storm-proofing Guide for Your Home
meta desc: Do you want to lessen the risk of catastrophic damage on your property? Below are some precautions that homeowners should take to safeguard their homes during stormy weather.