Hurricane Season 101: Protect Your Home Against Hurricanes

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Climate and weather disasters from 2018 and 2019 created a loss of over one billion dollars in the US. If you want to learn how to protect yourself against hurricanes, we can help.

In this guide, we’ll go over ways to protect your home during hurricane season.

Want to learn more? Keep reading.

Lock All Your Windows

First things first, you’ll want to go through your home and garage and close your windows. Lock them all up.

Make sure you don’t forget this step. You don’t want any wind seepage to cause damage to the inside of your house.

Inspect Your Doors and Windows

Next, you’ll want to inspect the seals and seams of your doors and windows. Some doors and windows will get damaged faster in a dry climate.

Check the caulk around the frame. Inspect the glazing around the panes as well. You can hold a candle near your window to detect any air seepage.

Install Exterior Shutters

Is a big storm approaching with hurricane winds? You might want to shutter all your windows in your home. Make sure the shutters can withstand flying debris up to 100 mph and are impact-resistant.

When you install the shutters, make sure you don’t mount them to the window frame. Instead, mount the shutters to the wall around your windows. You could also consider hurricane panels.

Consider Installing a Bolt to the Doors

Do you think your doors need more reinforcements? You can buy a bolt kit from your local hardware store. Bolts are straightforward to install and can keep the bottoms and tops of doors secure.

Your doors need added support from high winds. One small opening in your doors could allow hurricane-force winds into your home. The wind can get trapped and tear your home apart.

Upgrade Your Doors and Windows

If you want to strengthen your home, invest in impact-resistant doors and windows. These specialized windows and doors can withstand winds up to 200 mph.

You will have less damage and cleanup after a hurricane.

Secure Your Roof

Your roof is also another part of your home that’s vulnerable to strong winds. If your roof isn’t secured well, it could peel off your home.

Make sure you prevent this risk by keeping your roof well-sealed and intact.

Does your roof have straps that hold it down? Most people’s roofs aren’t secured well. If hurricanes or high winds are common where you live, you’ll want extra support. Consider getting metal roof straps installed.

Check the Shingles

Like the process for your doors and windows, you’ll need to double-check the roof. Make sure it’s in good condition.

If the shingles peel or the seams show wear, you’ll want to replace them before the hurricane season.

You’ll also want to inspect every shingle to make sure they’re secure. If not, you’ll want to fix or replace the shingles. Do you see curling shingles or missing shingles? Your roof might need to get replaced.

Upgrade to a Specialized Roofing System

Get an impact-resistant roofing system and shingles that withstand hail and wind damage.

The shingles get made from plastic, resin, aluminum, or copper. The cost is more, but you could get a lower homeowner’s insurance premium.

Protect Against Flood Damage

Before a hurricane strikes, people place sandbags around the entrance of their home. Pile sandbags two feet high.

If you can’t get sandbags right away, fill up a heavy-duty garbage bag with water and place them side by side.

Park your car on higher ground before the water rises. Unplug all your electronics and appliances. Turn off electricity to prevent electrocution or an electrical surge if your home floods.

Secure Any Loose Objects Around Your Home

Any outdoor objects on your home can turn into airborne missiles in a strong wind.

Your items could damage your neighbor’s property or your own. Make sure you secure or tie down anything that could become a projectile.

Trim your trees or cut falling limbs. Take all your outdoor decorations into your garage or home. You want to consider what items could get loose in 100 mph winds.

Your porch swing might be able to stay put in a storm but not in a hurricane.

Secure Your Deck and Porch Posts

Make sure you confirm that your porch posts and deck are well-anchored. If they could lift and damage your property, you’ll want to call in a professional.

You will need to anchor the porch posts and deck, so they don’t damage your property.

Protect Your Appliances

A short circuit or lightning strike can cause your home’s power voltage to soar.

Even if the power soars for a second, you could still have serious damage done to your appliances. You can unplug your appliances or buy a surge protector.

If you unplug every appliance in your home, the food could spoil in your fridge. Ovens and dishwashers tend to get wired to the electrical supply.

A surge protector will keep electrical devices from experiencing any voltage spikes.

Now You Know How to Prepare for the Hurricane Season

We hope this guide on hurricane protection was helpful. Take the time to secure your windows, doors, and roof.

Bring in all your outdoor furniture and decor if you hear of a strong storm coming. Keep up with the maintenance on your windows and doors during hurricane season.

Don’t forget to keep browsing our other helpful resources on construction, home, and more.