Hurricane Protection Tips for Your Home

According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricane protection from your home should begin by wind proofing the exterior in five vulnerable places: shutters and windows, straps, garage doors, roof, and household doors. Most damage is done to a home when wind is allow to penetrate the structure and rip it apart from both the inside and the out.

Shutters and Impact-Resistant Windows

Inspect your shutters to be sure they are secure to the house and will not be ripped off and thrown about into other objects. Secondly, be sure the shutter will withstand the impact of another object by leaning against it to see if it yields. If the shutter yields to pressure, the chances are that when impacted it will bow and break the window allowing wind to enter the house and cause damage. Do not use plywood instead of shutters as it has a tendency to be blown off and provide no protection.

Impact-resistant windows are an option for those who do not have or want shutters. The glass is designed to withstand impact from even large debris and objects, along with the pressure changes which occur during hurricanes. In the event of the window cracking, the design allows it to maintain its structure within the frame so it provides a wind barrier even though damaged.

Straps

Metal hurricane straps are specifically designed to maintain structural integrity of the wall to roof connection during high winds. To install these straps, remove the top 12 to 18 inches of the roof line so the top of the stud walls is revealed. On the interior, remove the drywall and insulation within the attic to anchor the straps in place. Trusses should also be anchored directly into the wall beams and studs with similar hurricane straps.

Garage Doors

Kits for retrofitting garage doors are often available at home improvement stores in hurricane areas. These include bracing strips of either wood or metal which mount to the door mullions and go across the garage doors expanse. Bracing double wide garage doors is imperative. Heavier hinges and bolts for garage doors can also be purchased, but bracing strips should be installed first.

Roof

Apply asphalt cement in spots the size of a quarter underneath shingles to adhere them to the roof. The factory adhesive is not designated to withstand the forceful winds of a hurricane. To protect the roof, cement down the shingles to improve the hold. From the interior attic use wood adhesive caulking to secure boards 2 to 3 feet long along the joint of where the roof meets the interior decking.

For gabled roofs use 16-penny nails to fasten support beams perpendicular to the truss at 4 foot on center spacing. Use 8 foot long boards to adequately support the gables along the end wall or the entire wall could be torn down from the winds.

Household Doors

All doors should have at least three hinges and dead bolt locks to keep them intact. Double entry doors should also have head and foot locks established so they are reinforced at their weakest points. Impact-resistant doors can also be purchased.