Hurricanes are a fact of life in South Florida. In recent years, they’ve become more frequent and fiercer. That’s why homeowners in Broward, Miami Dade, and Palm Beach counties should consider these upgrades that make your home hurricane resilient.
Note that we used the word “resilient,” not “resistant,” or “hurricane-proof.” There’s no such thing as a completely hurricane-proof, or even resistant, home. Homes sitting in the path of a hurricane that suffer little damage are mostly lucky.
Instead, we used the word “resilient,” which refers to the ability to regroup, repair, and restore the home following a big storm. Certain upgrades that make your home hurricane resilient are worth the investment, allowing you to get back to normal faster, with more of your home and your possessions in good shape.
Install a Metal Garage Door
A great deal of flood damage from torrential hurricane rains and devastating winds come into the home when a storm destroys the garage door. Your garage door is the largest opening in your house, and blasts of wind that come through can rip your house apart.
Kiss your car and all your lawn equipment, bikes, fishing gear, and rooms adjoined to the garage goodbye if your garage has an inadequate door.
Even if you already have a metal garage door, it’s worth considering the door’s age, whether it is dinged, dented, or corroded, and its aesthetic appeal. Newer versions of impact garage doors combine hurricane resilience with an attractive design.
Replace Old or Damaged Entry Doors With Impact Doors
If you live along or near the South Florida coast, your local building codes probably require impact doors. Newer impact front doors are made to withstand impacts from hurricane debris and look appealing. If your doors are rusted, dented, or cracked, it’s time to replace them with hurricane impact doors to make your home more hurricane resilient.
Check Your Landscaping
Have your trees inspected by a certified arborist to determine if they are a risk to your home. Remove dangling branches and trees in danger of toppling onto your house. Trim shrubs around the perimeter of your home and remove any loose debris nearby.
Clean Your Gutters
Clear gutters enable hurricane-level rains to drain off your roof effectively. If your gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris before the storm even begins, your home is already set up for significant water damage.
Consider Roof Replacement
Metal roofs are considered to be the most hurricane worthy. Metal roofing with interlocking panels can withstand winds up to 140 miles per hour. For added reinforcement, consider hurricane clips that strengthen the roof’s attachment to the home.
USA Home Improvement can help you increase your home’s hurricane resilience with impact doors and windows, plus roofing solutions. Homeowners in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties should contact us today before the next storm hits!
