Summertime is the long-awaited season of outdoor adventures and activities. From days at the lake or block party barbeques, the summer months can bring a whole host of new moments and memories.
However, for those who live in areas prone to tropical storms or hurricanes, these months also mean that it’s time to prepare for severe weather. When a tropical storm or hurricane is on the horizon, protecting your home becomes a top priority. Strong winds and flying debris can cause significant damage, but with the right preparation, you can minimize risks and keep your home safe.
Your walls, doors, and windows all play an important role in protecting your home. According to Against the Wind: Protecting Your Home from Hurricane Wind Damage, an educational resource provided by FEMA.gov, “The exterior walls, doors, and windows are the protective shell of your home. If your home’s protective shell is broken, high winds can enter and put pressure on your roof and walls, causing damage.”
With this in mind, here are some simple ways to help prepare your home for a hurricane, ensuring it is ready for the storm.
How to Prepare Windows for a Hurricane
Windows can often be one of the weakest parts of your home, prone to breaking easily with debris or high pressure from the winds. But, before you head down to your local hardware store for some extra sheets of plywood, here are a few other possibilities to consider:
- Install Storm Windows: These windows are specially designed to provide a layer of protection against harsh weather. They are designed to withstand strong winds and prevent projectiles from breaking your windows.
- Add Storm Shutters: Storm shutters are used to completely cover the glass, preventing damage to your windows. Though some people will make their own storm shutters from plywood or other durable materials, there are many manufactured shutter options available as well. Learn more about the convenient rolling shutters we offer here!
- Check and Secure Your Screens: If you have any loose or damaged window screens, be sure to remove them before the storm hits to keep them from possibly breaking your windows. Though screens are not designed to withstand strong impacts, they can help to deflect smaller debris (like leaves or twigs) and keep bugs out once the storm has passed.
- Apply Weather Stripping and/or Caulking: Ensure that your windows are properly sealed by adding weather stripping or caulking. This helps to keep water and wind from seeping through gaps and making their way indoors.
- Trim Nearby Trees: If you have trees planted near your windows, make sure to trim any stray branches that may hit or break the glass during high winds.
How to Prepare Doors for a Hurricane
When a hurricane is approaching, it’s crucial to secure all entry points to your home, including your doors. Here are some tips on how to prepare your doors to withstand the storm and minimize potential damage.
- Inspect and Reinforce Hinges and Latches: Check that all door hinges are secure and, if necessary, replace them with heavy-duty hinges designed for storm protection. (Need some help with your screen door? Learn more about our on-site screen door repair services!)
- Add Storm Doors: Similar to storm windows, storm doors are built to protect your existing doors, and hold up under severe weather conditions.
- Remove Loose Objects: Clear any loose items around your doors that could become projectiles during the storm, causing damage to your doors and the rest of your home.
- Cover Glass Doors: Protect your glass doors by covering them during a hurricane. Consider adding plywood temporarily or installing Rolling Shutters for a more permanent solution.
How to Prepare Porches, Patios, and Decks for a Hurricane
Your porch, patio, and deck spaces can be vulnerable and need some attention when a hurricane is imminent. Here are some effective steps to help minimize damage and protect your space:
- Secure Furniture and Decor: Either tie down or store outdoor furniture in a safe spot and remove outside décor. Loose items can be blown about in the wind, potentially causing damage to your home and property.
- Fasten or Remove Screen Doors: Though screen doors usually hold up well during daily living, they are not meant to withstand the strong winds of a hurricane or tropical storm. Before the storm, either remove and store your screen door in a safe place or fasten it securely to prevent it from being ripped away.
- Reinforce Structures: Inspect your screen porch for any signs of wear, including rust, loose screws or bolts, missing fasteners, etc. Replace items as needed to ensure the framing is as durable as possible.
- Replace Wood with Aluminum Framing: If your porch is made with wooden or staple-and-lathe framing, consider upgrading to an aluminum framed screen space. Not only is aluminum framing more durable, but it also makes for easy screen fabric repairs when needed. Learn more about the screen porch solutions we provide!
A note regarding screened pool enclosures: If you have a screen pool enclosure, check with your insurance provider for their recommendation on preparing for a hurricane. Some may recommend that you cut the screen fabric of the pool enclosure, preventing it from acting as a “sail” in high winds and lifting.
