As severe weather events grow more common in the United States, people need to focus on ensuring their property is secured. In 2022 the U.S. encountered 18 weather and climate disaster episodes according to NOAA with damages of over $165 billion. Strong winds and heavy rain can wreak havoc on your real estate for which applying appropriate weather-resistant measures allows you to reduce storm damage and protect your home.
We will discuss essential steps in this guide to keep your house safe during severe weather and reduce storm damage.
Strengthen Your Roof
As a protective shield against severe weather and winds your roof needs to remain healthy for optimal safety of your home. In Florida’s unpredictable climate of hurricanes and strong winds having a sturdy roof can significantly reduce damage from leaks and water problems.
Inspect Regularly: Conduct inspections of your roof at least yearly or immediately following large storms. Examine your shingles for errors or gaps and check for evidence of damage. Inspections and maintenance are advised by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to cut wind damage risks by about 50%.
Install Impact-Resistant Shingles: These are shingles created to endure strong winds and hail, thereby improving your safety by opting for impact-resistant roofing which will lower your repair bill after storms.
Strengthen Roof Edges: The edges of your roof face significant risk from gusty winds. Choosing roof edge materials that follow the standards set by FEMA for wind resistance can minimize the likelihood of wind uplift and roof collapse.
Secure Windows and Doors
Elections are critical because they are used as pathways for weather through windows or doors. It has been found that if not well closed, storms and flying objects can cause havoc and water damage to your home, particularly on the windows.
Install Storm Shutters: Installing storm shutters is the best technique for shielding windows against hurricanes and various storms. It covers glass, preventing breakage through flying debris akin to that which occurs during a hurricane. According to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), homeowners could decrease their odds of wind damage by as much as 80 percent in the event of a storm if they install shutters.
Upgrade to Impact-Resistant Windows: If you are unable to install storm shutters, there is a second-best solution which is to opt for impact-resistant windows. These are special windows that can easily absorb forces and do not break apart during storm events.
Reinforce Exterior Doors: For the exterior doors what you should have are rated doors due to the increased pressures from the wind. Add deadbolts primarily, you may also want to add storm door braces for greater safety in cases of storms.
Protect Against Flooding
Severe weather frequently leads to flooding in locations at risk for hurricanes and heavy downpours. To avoid storm damage effectively means to lessen flood risks and prevent water issues inside your home.
Elevate Utilities: Raise your essential systems above anticipated flooding levels. The recommendation by FEMA is to elevate these systems at least one foot above the flood base to limit flooding-related harm.
Seal Foundation Cracks: During heavy rainfall or storm surges cracks in the foundation let water inside effortlessly. Use a waterproofing sealant to close any openings and keep your home free from moisture.
Install a Sump Pump: Using a sump pump helps keep your basement and lower levels dry from flooding. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) states that using a sump pump significantly cuts the risk of flooding damage in the basement by half.
Trim and Secure Trees
Varying winds can morph unstable branches and debris into flying objects that damage your home’s walls and tiles. Maintaining trees correctly helps to lower the threat of wind-related damage.
Trim Overhanging Branches: Frequently shape your yard so that protruding branches do not interfere with your home’s or the power lines’ safety. According to the National Storm Damage Center’s estimate trees and branches falling trigger over $1 billion in property damage every year.
Remove Dead Trees: When a tree on your property shows signs of decay or illness get rid of it to avoid storm-related dangers. In severe gusts, dead trees frequently catastrophically break and bring about extensive destruction.
Secure Outdoor Items: Wind can lift and damage furniture and tools outside as well as your home or car. Before a storm knocks on the door bring these items indoors for safety.
Maintain Your Gutters and Drainage Systems
To shield the foundation from heavy rain during storms your home’s drainage system acts crucially. When gutters are blocked by debris they can result in roof leaks and foundation issues.
Install Gutter Guards: They function to keep particles out of your gutters for clear gutter drainage even in wet weather.
Extend Downspouts: Place your downspouts at least six feet from your foundation to stop water from gathering near your property. IBHS reports that suitable drainage practices near the foundation can lower flood risks and foundation damage by as much as 30%.
Invest in Hurricane Straps
Found atop your house these metal ties protect your roof and walls while keeping your structure solid in rough weather. In regions like Florida where hurricanes regularly happen they are particularly significant.
Install Hurricane Straps: With hurricane straps in place homes can handle winds reaching 150 mph during storms and limit the chances of their frames breaking. FEMA indicates that correctly secured hurricane straps may cut storm damage by as much as 60%.
Create an Emergency Plan
Even thorough weather-proofing is inadequate to safeguard your home against a violent hurricane. An emergency planning strategy for yourself and your family is essential.
Stock Emergency Supplies: Accumulate a rich collection of emergency supplies that features important documents and food for emergencies.
Have an Evacuation Plan: Prepare a specific way to leave during hurricanes or flooding in affected regions. Create a clear understanding of the migration routes you’ll follow and the safe area you’ll reach should you have to leave your home.
Communicate with Family: Clarify to everyone in your household what the emergency actions are and where they should depart in times of severe weather.
Many homeowners in hurricane areas face severe weather as a reality. By applying effective weatherproofing and preventing storm damage you can safeguard your house from expensive repairs and keep your family secure.
We at Well Home Solutions excel in providing solutions for Florida homeowners to defend their houses against severe storms. We design home defense plans that cover roof reinforcement and window safeguard measures as well as flood prevention. Reach out to us now for advice on how to make your home stronger against the next storm.
