Losing a home to a hurricane is an experience that no one wants to endure. Knowing how to build a home as hurricane-proof as possible or how to make improvements that will help the structure best handle the high winds of hurricanes is very important. Homeowners can save a great deal of money in the long run by hurricane-proofing their homes. Hurricanes will occur in hurricane-prone areas, that is a fact. At some point in time, a moderate to severe hurricane will occur and homeowners need to be prepared for the worst.
The roof, windows, doors, and garage doors are the parts of a home that are most susceptible to hurricane damage. It’s very important to take measures to reinforce the durability of these parts. Here are some steps to take when building a new home or in updating an older one to make it more likely that it’ll survive the next powerful hurricane.
Install Truss Bracing
Truss bracing helps a gabled roof better withstand the force of a hurricane. This bracing consists of a set of 2x4s that run the entire length of the roof. The ends of the 2x4s should overlap across two trusses. Braces should then be installed approximately 18 inches from the ridge, in the center span, and at the base, with 8 to 10 feet in-between the braces. The 2x4s should be attached with either wood screws or galvanized nails.
Install Gable End Bracing
Gable end bracing involved putting 2x4s in an X pattern that runs from the center of the top gable to the bottom center brace of the fourth truss, and from the bottom center of the gable to the top center brace of the fourth truss.
Install Hurricane Straps
The specific purpose of hurricane straps are to hold a home’s roof to its walls, even when the home is exposed to hurricane-force winds. These straps are generally made of metal and are best installed by a professional as their installation is far from an easy do-it-yourself project. Some areas actually require that all homes have hurricane straps, so before looking to install them, make that the home does not already have them.
Reinforce Doors
Use reinforcing bolt kits made expecially for the specific type(s) of door(s) that are present on the home to strengthen the door(s).
Reinforce Garage Doors
Reinforce garage doors at their weakest points by installing horizontal bracing onto each panel. Replacing standard hinges for heavier ones and installing stronger center and end supports are good ideas as well.
Build and Install Storm Shutters
Install plywood storm shutters to fit all windows and areas of exposed glass that can be easily and securely installed in the event of a hurricane threat. Start the screw holes so all that needs to be done is to put the shutters on and screw them in when a hurricane has the potential to invade your area. Store the shutters in a place where they are easy to find and get to when they are needed.
Remove Weak or Dead Trees or Tree Limbs
Regularly inspect your yard for hanging, loose or dead branches or trees and remove them when needed. The less weak or dead branches around, the less chance that your hom will be damaged by trees or tree parts that easily come loose in hurricane force winds.
