Living along the Gulf Coast, the possibility of severe storms is simply a fact of life. Anyone who has lived in the Sarasota area for any length of time has learned about the required personal preparations, such as storing water and non-perishable foods, and having batteries and flashlights on hand. But preparing your home to withstand a big storm is another important way to protect your home and family. Not only will working to hurricane proof your house give you peace of mind, it may also save you money in insurance premiums.
Did You Know? Hurricane season in Florida officially begins on June 1st and runs through the end of November. The most severe storms have historically occurred in September and October.
Although we are still three months from hurricane season, many of these home improvements will take you some time. As we approach season, you are likely to encounter full schedules and even material pipeline shortages.
Steps to Hurricane Proof Your Home
- Shutters: When people think of a hurricane proof home, they typically think of hurricane shutters. But shutters have come a long way from the bulky metal panels which shroud the home in darkness for days. Homeowners now have options which include clear shutters, and electronic roll-down shutters which can be activated as the storm arrives, and rolled back up as soon as the danger passes.
Shutters cover every window and door, usually leaving one sheltered door uncovered to allow the family to exit the home if necessary. While many homeowners look to save money by purchasing wood panels at a local home store to cover their windows, it is important to have the wood measured, cut and stored in your garage in order to avoid the rush as the storm bears down. - Windows and Films: If you have replaced your windows in recent years, you may have learned that updated codes require hurricane-resistant windows are installed. Although these windows are generally rated to 140 mph winds, you can further reinforce new windows with hurricane film. The film helps to cut glare and reduce UV rays during normal life, but helps to prevent glass from shattering when hit by a projectile during a storm.
- Garage Doors: Over the last two decades, garage doors have been significantly upgraded and reinforced for hurricane-strength winds. If your garage door is old or damaged, you can help to hurricane proof your home by replacing it with a reinforced door. Your garage can then become a safe storage area for belongings, or even for your family to shelter.
- Check your Roof: One of the most serious risks during a hurricane is the loss of a roof structure. Building codes have changed over the last 20 years to reflect the lessons learned from several devastating storms. If your roof is older or needs maintenance, call in a roofing contractor or local general contractor to repair or replace your roof; or to reinforce as necessary.
- Purchase a Generator: More and more homeowners are choosing to have a generator installed on their property in order to ensure they do not lose critical systems, such as air conditioning, refrigeration, or medical devices. New home builders can install a permanent generator at the time of the construction, or it can be added later. Portable generators are enough for some residents, but you should never wait to procure one – by the time the storms are brewing, area retailers are sold out of generators and gas.
The professionals at Lindahl Construction are well versed on the construction aspects of building a hurricane proof home. IF you are looking to move to the area and build a new home – or need help retrofitting your current home – give us a call. We proudly serve Sarasota, Longboat Key and Manatee County communities.