Living in a neighborhood that is prone to hurricanes can be costly for homeowners. You may also need to think about expensive repairs after every storm. However, if you hurricane proof your house, you don’t need to worry about repairs and renovation a few times a year.
Here are some methods to hurricane proof your property in a more effective and affordable way.
Install High-Impact Windows
When it comes to hurricane damage, windows are the most vulnerable parts of the property. The best way to hurricane proof your house is to install storm impact windows that have heavy frames. These types of windows can withstand projectiles more than 150 miles per hour. The best part is, unlike storm shutters, you don’t need to take them out after the storm. Plus, they can also greatly reduce your insurance premiums.
However, searching for the right high-impact window is crucial. Look for a window that comes with a Design Pressure rating (DP). It helps you to measure water infiltration, air infiltration, and structural load. In addition to it, a window with a 50 DP rating can withstand more than 200 miles per hour winds. They pass a structural test pressure of 75 pounds per square foot.
The prices of these windows can significantly differ from each other, depending on the material, size, brand, and features.
Strengthen and Reinforce the Garage Door
80 percent of the hurricane damage occurs through the home’s garage door, according to CNN. This is because most of these doors have lightweight material. People choose them because garage doors offer low initial costs with the safest and easy operation.
But what can you do if you live in a storm-prone area? In this case, impact-resistant garage doors are ideal for you. These doors have the ability to endure the high pressure of the hurricane’s winds. You can also choose the vertical bracing system. Or you can also hire contractors who can place generic support that they custom cut to adjust it on your door.
Install Impact Doors
Like the garage door and windows, your house’s main door is also a weak spot that can fail to withstand storms. In this case, it is better to invest in impact doors. They come with heavy frames that prevent them from damaging or shattering.
These doors also give you extra protection against debris and wind. Although all the impact-resistant doors are perfect for your house, it’s better to pick the ones with excellent composition, structure, design, and features. You need to pick the one that contains heavy deadbolts and other features that can help doors resist the high winds.
If you have a low budget, you can also choose fiberglass or aluminum doors. They also have the ability to withstand strong winds and debris.
Secure Outdoor Furniture
The items or furniture in your garden or backyard can cause great damages to your house when a hurricane hits your area.
Make a list of the things you have kept outside your house. Do you have planters, patio furniture, garden chairs, or garbage cans? You need to spend some money on the receptacles that can give a storage place so you can store these things before a hurricane arrives. It may have a large storage container or shed anchored securely to the ground.
Make sure to secure your patio furniture to prevent damage. If you have plenty of things outside your house, consider removing a few heavy items. This way, you don’t need to worry about the damages when the storm arrives.
Protect Your HVAC System
A storm can easily damage a home’s HVAC system. You need to practice safe and secure methods to reduce the damages and ensure excellent air quality during hurricanes. Use a protective cage or hurricane straps to protect the base. You also need to place a trap over the HIVAC unit to secure it from debris or other loose objects.
The following are few more things you need to do:
- Remove any bushes and foliage resting on the unit to lower the impact of the damage.
- Before the hurricane, cool down the house to the level you can endure in order to deal with a possible power outage.
- Hire a professional to check the performance of the system before the storm
- Buy a generator, so you don’t face problems in the case of a power outage.
When the storm arrives, don’t forget to shut off the circuit breakers and thermostats of your HVAC to lower the risk of damages.
Bottom Line
So, these are some methods that can help you hurricane proof your house. Make sure to stock up on emergency supplies like canned food, medicine, candles, etc., before hurricane season in order to deal with any unexpected situation.
Sources
https://www.homelight.com/blog/how-to-hurricane-proof-your-house/
https://ygrene.com/blog/fire-protection/how-hurricane-proof-your-house
https://www.moving.com/tips/5-hurricane-proof-improvements-you-can-make-to-your-new-coastal-home/