8 Smart Ways to Hurricane-Proof Your House

2. Strengthen your roof

We’ve all seen hurricane footage of ravaged homes whose roofs have been blown off. Wysocarski has seen that happen even in winds of under 50 miles per hour in the absence of a high-impact roof.

Go with metal

Metal is the most hurricane-resistant roofing material, as it can protect against wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour. Made from tin, steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc, metal roofs are a more expensive option, but they also last 50 years or more and are more durable than asphalt shingles.

Invest in architectural shingles

In Florida, Wysocarski says most new homes are built with architectural shingles, which can resist winds of up to 130 miles per hour and can last 20 to 30 years. Architectural shingles are thicker and at least 50% heavier than traditional three-tab asphalt shingles, making them a better choice in hurricane-prone areas.

Call in reinforcements (and plan for an escape)

For added protection, you can use steel hurricane clips to increase the strength of the connection between the roof and the house. Another option for worst-case scenario planning is to have an escape hatch built into the roof for emergency evacuations in case of extreme flooding.

Inquire about insurance discounts

You may be eligible to receive an insurance discount if your roof system is Class 3 or Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. If you’re considering selling your home, the buyer may opt to get a wind mitigation report as part of the home inspection.

3. Reinforce your entry points

Garage doors are the largest entry point to your home, making them highly vulnerable during a hurricane. If a garage door is not impact-rated, heavy winds could remove it from the opening, causing air pressure to build up and potentially blowing off the roof.

Invest in a heavy-duty garage door

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, it’s worth investing in hurricane-resistant garage doors, such as Clopay’s WindCode series. These types of doors have steel reinforcements, extra hardware, and spring components that provide added strength and durability against severe wind pressures. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications for wind resistance and make sure they meet any code requirements in your area.

Protect using removable metal panels

If you don’t have the budget for hurricane-resistant garage doors, there are still ways to bolster them against hurricanes. Smith recommends using removable galvanized steel and aluminum panels, which can be mounted to the garage door when a storm is approaching. If you have non-wind-loaded doors, you can also install vertical storm braces for extra reinforcement.

Go with fiberglass for entry doors

For entry doors, fiberglass is seen as the best material for hurricane resistance. In addition to being impact-tested for wind, fiberglass doors are also better at keeping out rain than wood or steel doors. According to data HomeAdvisor gathered from homeowners who recently completed this project, the cost to buy and install a fiberglass door ranges from $250 to $2,000, depending on design and features.

4. Protect and secure your HVAC system

A hurricane can easily inflict thousands of dollars of damage on a home’s HVAC system. Anthony Perera, founder of Air Pros USA Residential and Commercial Air Conditioning Services, offers these expert tips to help reduce damage and ensure safe indoor air quality during a storm.

Before the storm

Secure the base with hurricane straps or a protective cage. Then, put a tarp over the unit to protect it from loose objects or debris.

• Remove any foliage, bushes, or loose items from around the unit to prevent impact damage.
• Cool down the home as much as possible in case of a future power outage.
• Schedule an HVAC professional to check the system and perform any necessary maintenance.
• Invest in a backup generator to keep the system running in the event of an outage.

During the storm

• Shut off the thermostat and circuit breakers for your HVAC system to prevent damage to the unit.

After the storm

• Once it’s safe to step outside, check the HVAC unit for any dents or other damage. Have a professional inspect the unit to make sure it’s dry and safe to operate. Never turn the power on if there is water in or around the unit.
• If you don’t see obvious damage to the unit, turn on the circuit breaker and listen for any abnormal noises.
• Take photos of any damage so you can submit them to your insurance company.

5. Prepare your yard for strong storms

Landscaping can either help protect your home from storms or make the property damage worse. Here are some hurricane-resistant landscaping tips to minimize impact:

• Choose wind-resistant trees: Go for sturdy trees like live oaks and sabal palms that can withstand strong winds.
• Keep trees trimmed: Trim your branches often so they don’t snap off and turn into flying hazards.
• Use mulch instead of gravel: Loose gravel can fly around in high winds, so opt for soft mulch instead.
• Plant deep-rooted shrubs: Native plants with strong root systems help prevent soil erosion and stay put in heavy winds.

6. Do these affordable, last-minute hurricane prep projects

Proactive preparation is the best-case strategy, but what if a hurricane is headed your way and you only have hours or minutes to get ready? The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has identified these last-minute steps to minimize damage to your home.

• Close your garage door and all interior doors: The simple action of closing interior doors can reduce pressure on the roof by up to 30%, giving it a better chance of staying intact during a storm.
• Get reliable weather information and alerts: Staying informed is key to staying safe. The National Hurricane Center provides real-time updates of hurricane forecasts. Keep a battery-powered radio on hand for local updates and enable wireless emergency alerts on your mobile phone.
• Secure loose items outside: Outdoor décor, patio furniture, planters, bicycles, and other loose items can be blown away or cause damage to structures in hurricane winds. Secure any loose fencing, deck boards, and mailboxes.
• Create a home inventory list: Before the storm hits, create a list or video of your belongings so you’ll know what’s missing or damaged in case you have to file an insurance claim. Check out these tips on how to create a home inventory from The Insurance Information Institute.

7. Keep these necessities on hand

• Sump pump: Basements are very susceptible to flooding during hurricanes. Paul Simpson, chief editor of PrimalSurvivor.net, recommends having a sump pump ready with a battery backup in case of power outages.
• Surge protector: In the event of a power surge during a hurricane, a surge protector can help protect electronic devices by passing the electrical current from the outlet to the devices plugged into the strip.
• Home generator: If the power goes out during a storm, a home generator will keep the fridge, freezer, HVAC system, lighting, sump pump, stove, and other essential appliances running to keep you safe and comfortable.
• Water barriers: Sandbags, water diversion tubes, or expanding flood barriers can be placed around the house to divert water away from the property and prevent flood damage.
• Disaster supplies kit: Make sure you have a flashlight, plenty of extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, and enough water and non-perishable food for three days.

8. Don’t forget these overlooked areas

• Clear out built-up leaves and debris from the gutters periodically. Clear gutters will drain faster and help prevent roof leaks. While you’re at it, secure any loose gutters to prevent them from getting pulled off by hurricane winds.
• Redirect your downspouts away from your home’s foundation. This will help keep rainwater as far away as possible from your basement or crawl space.
• Do a tree audit. Remove any damaged or dead tree branches, which could break and fall on the house during a storm.
• Check your outdoor drains. “Be proactive with drain maintenance and cleaning if you live in a hurricane-prone area,” says Smith. “Just one clogged area drain can bring you a mountain of flooding problems.”

Is your home hurricane-proof?

Hurricane risk is one of the costs of enjoying life on the coast. In the event that your property is in the path of one of these damaging storms, a little preparation can go a long way toward protecting your home and the people who live in it.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in a hurricane-prone area, contact a trusted real estate agent for expert guidance and support. An experienced agent can help highlight your home’s storm-resistant features, attract the right buyers, and navigate any disclosure requirements. With their expertise, you can sell with confidence and get the best possible outcome.

Header Image Source: (Michael M / Unsplash)