House Hurricane-Proofing Tips

HURRICANE PROOFING HOUSE

 

hurricane-proofing, house

We adore being South Carolina residents. Our closeness ROOF the mountains, the profusion of lush foliage, and the short trip to the Atlantic coast are all factors. Dreamlike, really!On the other hand, those of us who live on the East Coast often face a number of weather-related difficulties from June through November of each year. Hurricanes are one of those difficulties, particularly if your house is nearer the coast.The greatest defense is to think about your hurricane preparations before a storm even reaches your area in order to save both your belongings and yourself. “How can I make my roof hurricane-proof?” or “How can I protect my house from strong winds?” are probably questions on your mind. In this post, we’ll go over how to make your hurricane proofing house, what to look for when choosing storm-resistant construction materials, and how insurance may help shield you from storm damage.

aerial view of hurricane damage in a housing development.

LOCK UP THE OUTSIDE 

Among the most terrifying and costly effects of hurricanes and tropical storms are strong winds and water damage. Hurricane winds may linger for hours or even days and are characterized by strong gusts that have the potential to create tornadoes, extensive coverage that impacts large regions, and tremendous speeds—some of which can reach 150 mph.

You should give your home’s exterior extra care in order to safeguard it from these strong pressures. A storm proof house is also a storm proof house, therefore a few of these suggestions will assist keep your house strong over the winter that follows hurricane season.

DOORS AND WINDOWS

All doors, especially sliding glass doors, should be made sure they are safe. Consider making an investment in hurricane-resistant windows and doors if you’re constructing a new house. To stop wind borne debris from causing damage, you may strengthen doors with heavy-duty hardware, add storm shutters, or upgrade to impact-resistant windows for existing houses.

What is the least expensive technique to make windows hurricane proofing house? If strong gusts are predicted, you may cover your windows with 5/8-inch plywood, but it won’t be as sturdy as hurricane shutters.

How can a front door be made hurricane-proof? During a storm, a front entrance is often a vulnerable spot. To fortify your door, choose a sturdy impact-resistant door composed of metal or fiberglass, equip every entry with a strike plate and heavy-duty lock, and reinforce the hinges and door frames with longer screws for increased stability.

ROOF

One of the most important parts of a hurricane-proof home is its roof. Fit hurricane straps and clips into your house if you haven’t already. These give an extra layer of security against strong winds by fastening your roof trusses to the walls.

hurricane-proofing, house

To stop water infiltration, caulk should be used to seal roof penetrations like vents and skylights. Make sure all tiles and shingles are fastened firmly. While constructing your house, use a roofing material that can withstand strong winds, such as tile, metal, or steep-slope asphalt shingles.

YARD

A healthy tree can be uprooted by sustained hurricane force winds, but it only takes one or two strong gusts to topple a dead or dying tree or to smash a limb into your roof. Before a significant storm hits, make note of any trees that need the care of an arborist. To make trees and shrubs more wind-resistant, prune them. Any loose goods, such as bicycles, potted plants, and outdoor furniture, should be secured or brought inside.

GARAGE DOORS

Use a retrofit or bracing kit to strengthen your garage door so that it can withstand hurricanes. To be safest, think about investing in a hurricane-proof door style. During hurricane season, these doors provide an extra layer of security since they are designed to withstand powerful winds and flying debris.

SEALED VENTS

Close up any openings around your house to avoid damage from water and wind. This comprises the spaces where cables and pipes pass through the wall, as well as vents and outdoor electrical outlets, on outwalls. Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is intact and not broken.

BARRIERS TO FLOODING

Invest in barriers if you live in a flood-prone location to keep floodwaters out. Please refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer since the installation procedure may vary depending on the kind of barrier and the layout of your house.

hurricane-proofing, house

 

 HOMEOWNERS’ AND RENTERS’ STORM PROTECTION INSURANCE

 

It’s as important to make sure you have enough insurance coverage as it is to weatherproof your house. Storm damage, including wind and tree-related damage, is often covered by standard homeowners insurance. However, it’s important to check your policy since coverage varies greatly based on your area and particular policy.

You may need coastal insurance in certain coastal locations. It should be noted that normal homeowner’s insurance plans usually do not cover flood damage; instead, special flood insurance is required.

Renters who want to protect their personal items and any storm-related damage to their rental property should think about getting renters insurance.

Make sure you record everything. To facilitate the claims process, take pictures or films of your house and possessions before the storm arrives.

Keeping your house safe doesn’t have to be difficult. Like the rest of life’s problems, we’re sure you can sail through storms with enough planning and preparedness. We at Independent Insurance Associates are here to assist you and your family have peace of mind. Get in touch with us now for a free quotation or with any queries!

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