Both terrifying and potentially devastating, natural disasters impact families all across the country. In many parts of the U.S., tornadoes and hurricanes are all too common. That’s why it’s so important that you adequately protect your home from storms and cyclones. While new homes are often built with these concerns in mind, older homes are particularly vulnerable to storm desolation. But whether your home is a new build or a more historic property, you should follow these three hurricane-proofing tips:
- Install impact doors and windows
Your doors and windows are particularly vulnerable areas in your home. Hurricane winds are so strong that they can send debris and other objects flying like bullets from a gun. The best way to protect your home and family is to install impact windows and doors that can stand up to the force of these storm winds. Impact doors and windows can withstand winds up to the category five designation, which means you won’t have to worry about these features being blown out during a storm. - Keep landscaping in check
If you live in an area that’s prone to these windstorms, you’ll want to keep that in mind when designing and maintaining your exterior space. If you have any dead trees or branches on your property, have them removed immediately. You’ll also want to keep your trees pruned and may want to have them assessed on a yearly basis. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure to store patio furniture and any other features that aren’t secured to the ground before a storm hits. - Enforce your garage door
Homeowners should protect the entrances to their houses with impact doors, but they also need to address another type of door: the one on the garage. Garage doors tend to be extremely weak and are often damaged by tornadoes and hurricanes. Should your garage door get blown out, these winds can easily enter your home and may even blow off your roof. To prevent this from occurring, you should fortify your existing garage door with a bracing system or have an entirely new garage door installed that’s designed specifically for high wind resistance.
With some research and a good amount of preparation, you can keep your home and family safe from these dangerous storms. To find out more about equipping your home with hurricane doors and windows, contact a specialist right away.