Did you know that, on average, nearly 40% of the hurricanes that hit the United States occur in Florida? Homeowners in this part of the country face unique challenges as they try to protect their investment from upcoming storms.
These tropical storms must contain wind speeds of at least 74 mph to be classified as “hurricanes.” By the time you see the next hur ricane, you won’t have the time you need to protect your home. Don’t wait. The best way to hurricane proof your home is to begin takin g preventative measures now.
1. Install Impact Windows
With the extreme force of hurricane winds, the windows of your home must serve as a barrier between flying debris and your family. Purchase hurricane impact windows and have a professional install them. Then, you won’t have to worry about installing shutters or nail ing plywood the next time a storm hits.
What’s more, these windows can protect your investment in countless other ways. They serve to reduce noise, prevent burglary, an d filter harmful UV rays.
2. Remove Potential Debris
As you might imagine, when a hurricane hits, your home is most at risk of damage from debris. Projectiles can become bullet-like in hurricane force winds. So taking the preventive care to remove any weak or dead tree limbs, bushes, etc. is a necessity.
Along these same lines, you may want to consider replacing any gravel or rocks on your landscape with shredded bark. This accent will look just as great and won’t pose the same risk should strong winds occur.
3. Buy a Generator
In the event of a storm, there’s not a lot you can do to protect your home’s power grid. But that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare alt ernate methods of powering the essentials. By purchasing a small generator, you can ensure that your home’s appliances continue to fu nction like you need them to.
4. Upgrade Your Entry Doors
When it comes to hurricane proofing your home, one of the most important things you can do is upgrade the property’s exterior do ors. Each entry way serves as an access point for damaging debris, so be sure to take the following tips into consideration:
Your entry doors need to have at least three hinges and a dead bolt. Furthermore, you will want to anchor these access points secu rely to the frame.
As you might imagine, your glass patio doors pose a huge risk in the event of a hurricane. Consider replacing them with weather-re sistant alternatives that are made of heavy-duty laminated glass.
The doors to your garage will be especially susceptible to damaging wind. If need be, reinforce them with metal stiffeners or perman ent wood.
With these upgrades, your door-and the rest of your home-will be better equipped to weather the storm.
5. Install Wind-Resistant Roofs
Of all the damage a hurricane could cause, damage to the roof is one of the most expensive for homeowners to repair. To avoid cos tly repairs, call your local roofing contractor before hurricane season. You’ll be better prepared if you install a roof covering and sheathin g that can withstand high winds.
10/8/2014