4 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Hurricanes

Jul 21, 2020

Did you know that the average cost of repair from a storm in the USA is nearly $8,500? Figures like this show the importance of creating and maintaining hurricane-proof homes. The good news is you can take steps to save money and protect your family before a storm hits—and without spending a fortune.

If you live in a hurricane zone, like Florida, Louisiana, or North Carolina, you know the damage a big storm can cause. Let’s take a look at 4 ways to protect your home from hurricanes this 2020 season.

1: Install Hurricane Windows and Impact Doors

Featuring our WinGuard® Aluminum Preferred Sliding Glass Door SGD5570, Picture Window PW7720A, and Single Hung SH7700A

Impact doors and hurricane windows are among the most critical items you can install in your home. Whether it is for storm safety or home security, shattered glass can cause severe damage to you, your home, or harm your family.

PRO TIP:

If you have hurricane-proof windows installed in your home, there is no need to tape your windows. Even if the glass is damaged, the interlayer will hold the glass pieces secure in the frame and keep unwanted elements outside. These products also help protect your loved ones from would-be intruders and noise pollution (up to a 65% reduction in sound*). Plus, impact resistant products can help lower your insurance premium while the overall value of your home increases.

2: Fortify All Your Entryways

According to The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), one inch of floodwater can cause $7,800 worth of damage to your home. Overlooking your garage doors can be costly. They require the same attention as any other entryway when preparing your home for hurricane season. Broken garage doors can easily let in one inch of water or more. FEMA identified the loss of garage doors as one of the significant factors contributing to hurricane storm damage in homes.

3: Check For Air Leaks

Before a hurricane hits, you should test your home for air leaks. This type of leak can predict if you will have future problems. Air leakage inspections of your doors, windows, and garage also contribute to a lower cooling bill. These in-depth inspections can save your house from catastrophic failure during a hurricane.

PRO TIP:

Schedule an energy audit before hurricane season to ensure your home is prepared for any upcoming storm and is energy-efficient.

4: Inspecting Your Roof

Featuring our WinGuard® Vinyl Preferred Sliding Glass Door SGD5570

If you’ve had your roof installed any time after Hurricane Andrew (1992), it is likely anchored to your foundation or concrete walls. Either way, regular inspections of your roof give professionals the chance to fix problems that will get worse during or after a storm. During a checkup, roofers will tell you whether your home is protected from the elements with adequate weatherproofing. A roofer will assess if there are missing, rotting, or blistering shingles and look for damaged flashing and leaking gutters on the roof that could fail during extreme weather.

Hurricane Proof Homes: Be Sure Yours Makes the List

This shortlist covers some of the most important ways to prepare your home actively and passively. However, there are many other steps to take to hurricane-proof your home and protect your family.

If you found this post helpful, remember it’s only the beginning. Be sure to check out our complete 2020 Hurricane Guide for more information.

*Source: Sound reduction percentage is based upon the WinGuard® Aluminum Picture Window’s (PW7720A) OITC rating compared to a single-pane window with an OITC rating of 19. Actual results may vary.