We build our homes to stand up against most natural forces, from raging thunderstorms to damaging snow and ice. While we may be taking the right precautions to protect against snow and rain, shielding our homes against wind damage might not always seem like a high priority.
But sustained high winds from storms and tornadoes are often devastating enough to rip off siding, tear off a roof, or send wind-blown debris through windows.
Protect your home and the people inside it. What follows are 10 products that we’ve found that will provide added protection against high winds to your house and give you peace of mind.
High winds can have a devastating impact on the quality of your siding. If your home has sustained damage from a recent storm and you’re left with cracked or punctured siding (or no siding at all!), there are a few different types of impact-resistant siding that you might consider.
Vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, wood siding are popular choices, and some manufacturers will provide wind-load resistance ratings for their products so you know the best applications for them.
Rollex’s steel siding is one of the most durable siding products on the market and provides a more rigid make-up that stands up to stormy weather and dangerous winds.
Windows and doors typically sustain the most damage from wind and storms. While damage might be extensive enough to replace your windows or doors, there are other cost-effective measures that you can take.
Placing a protective barrier, like fabric panels, in front of windows and doors to stop windblown debris can be quite effective. These translucent panels are made from a polymer base that can be attached with grommets or clips, and are easy to install and take down after the storm passes.
Major storms are often strong enough to lift the roof off of your home. Hurricane straps and clips can be used to prevent any roof damage. These galvanized clips go on the inside of the house and connect the walls to the roof and foundation of the home, preventing lateral wind forces from pushing the roof up from your home.
Storm panels made from corrugated steel or strong aluminum hang like a panel in front of doors or windows, and are attached to tracks that can be permanently installed onto the home. If a storm is forecasted in your area, the panel is easily slid into the track. You might need a storage space for the panels when they are not in use, but these provide an excellent safety measure if you know storms are on their way.
Colonial shutters have been around for hundreds of years, and some homes still have their original shutters. These shutters are permanently installed onto the house and are made from a wood or poly material. In addition to protecting window glass from flying debris, these shutters also add a decorative statement to your home, increasing curb appeal.
Don't forget to protect exterior flooring such as elevated decks, balconies and patios where the wind can get underneath. High winds from hurricanes can create a suction force that can pull down on flooring systems. This suction force can damage floor joists and under-floor sheathing that is in place. Roof sheathing that is placed on the top of your house can also be attached to the underside of exterior flooring systems to provide more wind resistant properties. The product is attached with the same nailing system you would use when placing roof sheathing on top of your home.
Investing in thicker and stronger hurricane window glass might give you peace of mind if you live in an area subject to stronger storms and hurricanes. Hurricane glass is a type of safety glass, similar to what you would find on your car windshield. The glass comes in 3/8-inch thickness with a film coating, and is designed to withstand strong impacts - when the glass breaks, it stays within the window frame, instead of shattering and causing debris.
Don’t forget the garage! Your garage is susceptible to the full force of the wind, and if you have an attached garage, the resulting damage to this space could result in structural instability to other parts of your property.
Garage door braces can provide ample support. These vertical aluminum bracing systems are anchored above the door, as well as to the floor, to help the garage door better withstand the high winds.
The shingle industry has advanced significantly in the last few years, as wind-resistant shingles are now able to withstand gusts of wind up to 150 mph. If you’re getting a new roof installed or replaced, take a look at wind-resistant shingles. Research which kind of shingle will work best in your climate - these are classified based on the level of wind-resistance provided.
Some of the simplest home products designed to withstand high winds do not require a major remodel of your home.
If you are looking to reinforce the exterior door of your home, invest in a security deadbolt that has a bolt-throw length of more than one inch. Ensure that your door framing is in good condition - a deadbolt can add extra security when the wind gusts outside.
We don’t often purchase a home based on how it stands up to storms or tornadoes, but taking preventative measures will prevent devastation and headaches in the long run.
Protect your property and the people you love, and sleep easy knowing your home is secured, even in the worst kinds of weather.
Sources:
https://www.fema.gov/media-lib...
http://www.ct.gov/cid/lib/cid/...
http://www.bankrate.com/financ...