Hurricanes and tropical storms are a reality for anyone living in Florida. Taking steps to hurricane-proof your home is essential in protecting your property against such storms. Fortunately, you can limit storm damage from hurricane-force winds in a variety of ways. Some of these steps are fairly simple and inexpensive, while others can cost a bit extra. Learning more about the various ways you can hurricane-proof your home is well worth the effort for anyone living in Florida.
Improvements for Your Coastal Home Build to Incorporate to Avoid Storm Damage
Windows:
One of the best options for limiting storm damage is to invest in hurricane-proof windows. These windows are specifically designed to keep your home protected against hurricane-force winds and flying objects. Impact-resistant glass undergoes an extensive testing process and are available in many styles. Impact glass is extremely difficult to break, as it is also a great way to deter break-ins due to its innovative design. You can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $55 a square foot for installing hurricane-proof windows.
Doors:
Another way to protect your home against severe weather is by installing fiberglass doors. These doors are highly durable compared to other options on the market. Replacing wood doors with fiberglass doors is especially effective at limiting the impact of a hurricane. These doors can be manufactured to look similar to wood, but you don’t have to worry about them warping, peeling, or getting scratched over time. Fiberglass doors are also energy efficient, as they can help you lower your utility bill. Most fiberglass doors cost around $1,500 to $2,000.
Roof:
The type of roof on your home also makes a big impact on how well you are protected during a hurricane. A roof is often the most vulnerable area of your home, so it’s important to choose a material that can withstand the impact of storm damage. A metal roof is one of the top choices for resisting winds up to 140 mph, and these roofs can last up to five decades. On the other hand, a traditional asphalt shingle roof will usually last around 15 to 20 years, but are much less durable. Metal roofs are typically more expensive to install, but they provide much-needed protection for existing or new build homes in Florida.
Garage Doors:
Upgrading your garage door is also a key aspect of protecting your home against hurricanes. Lightweight garage doors are a major risk due to them being easily impacted by strong winds and flooding. A garage door that doesn’t withstand the impact of hurricane-force winds can cause loss of items stored within, including your car. Taking a proactive approach by installing hurricane-proof doors for your garage is essential in keeping damages to an absolute minimum. Most impact-resistant garage doors cost around $750 to $1,295.
Additional Ways You Can Hurricane-Proof Your Home
Building a hurricane-proof house can be more labor intensive and possibly even a bit more expensive, but it’s well worth both when protecting your home, and yourself, against severe weather by limiting storm damage.
Walls:
Concrete walls are significant in limiting the impact of a hurricane on just about any property. Many building contractors use a concrete exoskeleton to provide homes with an additional layer of protection. Concrete walls are one of the best materials for resisting high winds and can also help you stay in compliance with the latest building codes.
Elevation/Drainage:
Flooding is often a major issue during a hurricane, as it can cause widespread damage throughout your home. House elevation can play a key role in limiting the chance of flooding, as many new homes are built to meet a higher elevation. New homes can also be built with intelligent drainage systems and reinforced foundations for greater protection. Researching all your choices ahead of time can help you choose the best option for reducing the impact of floods from hurricanes and tropical storms.
Landscaping:
Maintaining a well-landscaped yard is an important part of limiting storm damage and is a simple way to help hurricane-proof your home. Be sure to trim nearby trees and shrubs and keep your yard well-maintained by removing any loose branches – especially those that can become airborne in high winds. These simple tasks are an important part of avoiding exterior damage to your home during a storm. If your home has gutters, it’s a good idea to clean/clear them at least twice each year to ensure that rainwater can easily flow through them without getting clogged and putting additional strain on your roof. Following and implementing these simple building & remodeling tips/suggestions requires some effort, but it’s well worth the work to help hurricane-proof your home.