A recent survey from Colorado State University found that the 2018 hurricane season is expected to be less active than seasons before. While you may be giving a sigh of relief, now is the perfect time to consider protecting your home from storm damage in coming years. New construction is often reinforced against hurricane-force winds and flooding, but many older and historic homes are not. Here are four ways to protect your home from future hurricanes for years to come.
Consider Impact-Resistant Windows
These can come in the form of hurricane-proof windows and glass doors or impact-resistant shutters. Hurricane windows are a little pricey, averaging over $40 per square foot. With that said, tropical storms and hurricanes can have speeds of over 160 mph, making debris as lethal as a bullet. If you still find it hard to justify the expense, you can also find hurricane-resistant shutters that go over the windows just before a storm, protecting your home from storm damage and potentially saving some money.
Reinforce the Garage Door
Garage Doors are a notorious weak point during a storm. When a non-reinforced garage door gives way, hurricane-force winds can come in, creating a wind-tunnel. This, in turn, can cause the roof of your home to come off. If you’re designing a house in a hurricane region, look into having your garage door reinforced. If you don’t plan to have new construction (or if you plan to live in some historic homes), make sure the garage door is reinforced.
Install Hurricane Clips
Speaking of the roof, it’s always worthwhile to talk to a home renovation team about how you’ll reinforce the roof. Incoming storms can create a wind tunnel, lifting off the roof and causing the walls to fall outward, so your first step should always be to make sure the roof is secure. An easy way to do this is by installing hurricane clips, or steel reinforcements that connect the top plate with the rafters.
Maintain Gutters
Finally, you should always make sure that your gutters are clean and free from debris to ensure that the storm water drains appropriately. Water that doesn’t drain through the gutter can end up in your house, resulting in flood damage later on. Make sure you keep your gutters clear, and if the current model is outdated, talk to a contractor about installing more down spouts.
Talking to a contractor about updating your home while the weather is mild is always the best option. Protecting your home from storm damage may cost more upfront, but it saves money and time by reinforcing your home against hurricane damage later.