A few years ago, Hurricane Ike tore through the Bolivar Peninsula in Texas, leaving almost nothing but rubble in its wake. Before the hurricane, some 200 homes had proudly stood along the peninsula's coastline, their inhabitants enjoying idyllic lives on the beach. But after Ike had wreaked his havoc, only 10 of those homes remained standing. Some of the surviving homes had lost power, and their decks had blown away; one sustained roof damage. But all were move-in ready soon after the storm had passed.
What did those 10 homes have that the other 190 lacked? Chances are, they had been constructed and/or outfitted with key elements that worked to keep them upright while those around them crumbled.
How would your home fare in a storm? Consider the following tips for making your home as impervious to the wild whims of Mother Nature as possible:
- Roof: When installing a roof, use a covering that is specially designed to resist high winds. Seal all the joints of your roof sheathing with rubberized, self-stick asphalt tape, which keeps moisture out. For additional protection, glue your roof's sheathing to the rafters and trusses using an adhesive designed for that purpose.
- Windows: Install impact-resistant window systems, or, in lieu of those, impact-resistant shutters, which will stop flying debris from shattering your windowpanes.
- Doors: Make sure the frames of all your entry doors are anchored to the wall framing. Install at least three hinges on every entry door. Ensure the dead bolt locks have bolts that measure at least one inch long.
- Sliding Glass Doors: Because of their comparably delicate material, these types of doors are obviously more fragile than standard entry doors. As is the case with windows, install impact-resistant door systems. These are comprised of laminated glass, or a synthesis of glass and plastic.
- Connections: Every house is made up of different components that connect. These connection points must be impeccably constructed in order to keep the various parts of your home together during a severe storm. For example, the roof can be better connected to the walls through the use of metal clips and straps, which may be incorporated when the roof is installed. The joints where your home's walls meet its foundation should be strong. Your home's second-story framing must be strongly joined to its first-story framing.
- Garage Doors: One way to keep your garage door intact during a serious storm is to install wood or metal stiffeners, which will permanently strengthen the door. A temporary solution may come in the form of supports (your garage door manufacturer can advise you about which types to use) that can be attached if a storm threatens and then removed after it passes.
Employ a qualified contractor to make sure these elements are all in place when you build and/or remodel your home. Doing so will increase the likelihood that your house will be a storm survivor!