We all know how destructive hurricanes can be. That is why people living in hurricane prone areas have to carefully think about how they can protect their homes and properties, and, of course, their families. Come hurricane season, everyone is dreading the fact that this natural disaster could hit when they least expect it, which is why taking the right protective measures is a must. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.
So, if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, there is no doubt in my mind that you are now thinking of finding a way to protect your property against the potential damage. You know that the winds can be strong, and that there is risk of flooding, so those are the two most serious hazards that you need to protect your property against. The only question, though, is how you can do that.
Well, there are various different steps that you can take to fortify your home. And, you should do it because it will enhance your own safety, and the safety of your family, as well as help you avoid potential expensive repairs after the storm has passed. So, in short, you are protecting both yourself and your investments. Let us now check out how you can do that.
Seal the Basement and the Foundation
First things first, you should know that water can pose a serious threat to your property. I suppose you get that flooding is not a favorable occurrence already, but you may not be entirely sure about just how dangerous it can be, and just how quickly it can enter your home if it is not properly protected. Basically, water can find even the smallest of paths of entry, and cause serious damage. Read more on how to get ready for hurricane season.
This is why sealing the basement and the foundation of your home is of utmost importance. Do an inspection and use hydraulic cement to seal any cracks in the foundation or the basement walls. Then, use waterproof sealants to add an extra layer of protection to the floors and the walls of the basement. Installing a sump pump could also be quite useful, and so can considering a backwater valve that can redirect the water away from your home. If you’re not sure how to seal everything on your own, don’t hesitate to call in the pros and invest in this important safety measure.
Install Flood Vents
If possible, and necessary, you should also install a flood vent in your property, so as to let the water pass through, instead of sticking around and building pressure against your walls. This will help prevent structural collapse, while also having a positive effect on your insurance premiums, reducing them. Plus, this may be a regulatory and compliance requirement in certain areas, so make sure to check that, in order to do everything right.
Use Flood Barriers
Apart from the above, you can also use some temporary flood barriers in order to prevent the water from entering the vulnerable areas. For instance, sandbags, flood panels, as well as water-filled tubes can all be quite useful in diverting shallow flooding and thus protecting your property. Then, you may also want to seal the door gaps with, for instance, duct tape or plastic sheeting, as that could be rather useful in emergencies. And, of course, permanent flood barriers on basement windows can also be a great investment that will keep you safe come hurricane season.
Secure the Roof
Of course, the high winds also pose a great hazard to your property, so you need to think about how to protect it against those as well. And, one of the first things you should absolutely do is properly secure your roof. After all, it is your first line of defense. Of course, regular inspection should be on your schedule, as it could uncover any weak points, and the professionals doing the inspection could provide you with any kinds of relevant advice that could help you increase your own protection.
How can you secure it, though, and thus prepare it for hurricane season? Well, for one thing, you can use hurricane clips or straps to reinforce that connection between your roof and your walls. Then, you may also want to think about installing roof sheathing for extra protection. And, naturally, don’t forget to apply sealant to prevent water from entering your home in case any of the shingles wind up being flown off during the storm.
Install Impact Resistant Windows & Doors
Perhaps the most important, and the most useful, thing you can do when trying to get ready for hurricane season is upgrade your windows and doors. To be more precise, you should install impact-resistant windows and doors, as those have been created specifically with the purpose of protecting your home against the damage that the high winds can cause during hurricanes. Flying debris, for instance, can be extremely dangerous, as it can break the glass and thus let the water into your home, causing extreme damage.
But, that’s something that won’t happen if you have impact resistant windows and doors installed. And, of course, if you choose great ones. So, check out what Paradise Exteriors or similar great professionals have to offer, and always aim at choosing those windows and doors that are impact rated, as that is certainly going to be an additional layer of protection during hurricanes. Actually, it is possibly the most significant layer of protection, so don’t hesitate here, and instead proceed towards upgrading the doors and windows right away.
Remove Potential Hazards from the Outside
The final thing you should know is that leaving certain items outside your home, such as barbecues, patio furniture and similar things, can be quite dangerous. Those can get blown away, and potentially damage your property along the way. So, either secure those items in your yard, or bring them inside when you’re expecting a hurricane, in an effort to keep your family and your home as safe as possible.
