Protect Your Home From Wind Damage With These Tips
While there are countless benefits to living in Florida, hurricane season is a real threat that every homeowner should be prepared for. Current state codes require homes along the vulnerable areas be built to withstand strong winds upwards of 116 mph. Sometimes, there’s not a lot you can do, especially if a category 5 hurricane hits your neighborhood. However, there are several ways to better protect your home from wind damage during a severe wind event. We have described some strategies below to prepare for hurricane season in this article.
Fasten Your Siding and Roofing
Prone areas require extremely durable roofing materials. Metal and shingles are preferred by most people because they are tested, easy to install, and can withstand some degree of damage. However, the most important thing is not the material; it is the installation. Professionals within your area know what you need to do to your roof to make it stable. Fastening the sidings and the roofs with nails is a requirement. Also, ensure that there are no gaps between one piece and the other. Proper nailing is a sure way of protecting your home from wind damage.
Remove or Trim Trees Around the Home
Strong winds uproot trees and carry them at top speeds leaving in their wake a string of devastation. If you have trees around your home, they will most likely fall on your roof crushing it and exposing your property to damages. There are small trees that you can plant around your home which will never grow beyond a certain height and pose no threat in a wind event. Alternatively, you can trim trees to make sure that they don’t overgrow. Experts recommend moving any tree within the home’s reach, particularly those that are leaning towards your home.
Cover All Openings
Seal windows, doors, and any ventilation point completely whenever authorities issue a storm alert. Wind creates low atmospheric pressure relative to the inside of the house, which can be devastating. Any opening within the home, such as an open garage or pet door, will leave it prone to the shattering effects of pressure. Some houses explode when a simple pet door is open to strong winds. Install shutters for windows and reinforce all entries. Faucets and gaps within the wall can allow cold air in, which can expose the house. Some double doors have a loose side, which is a potential weak spot, too.
Reinforce and Anchor
According to experts, gable end bracing, truss bracing, and hurricane straps can reinforce your roofing. Apart from your roof, anchor all moveable items with chains, bolts, or ropes to decks or anything else that is firmly installed. Make sure all garden items are secured inside the house. They can be launched into the air and damage your house.
Good practices can sustain gale force winds, however, some stronger winds will cause significant roof damage which can destroy your home. Ensure that you have protected all your valuables with another layer of internal safety measures. They include hiding fragile items inside cabinets, locking all doors, removing hanging items, among many other small things.
Wind Mitigation Inspection
The first step to protect your home from wind damage is hiring a qualified home inspector to perform a wind mitigation inspection. Protecting your home from wind damage is not an easy exercise. An expert knows all vulnerabilities that a typical home can have and can help you with the inspection and mitigation processes. As an added benefit, many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who’ve taken extra steps to protect their home from wind damage.
Florida Superior Inspections serves the Greater Tampa area with wind mitigation inspections and other home inspection services. Contact us to schedule your appointment and get your home ready for hurricane season.