Building In Hurricane Territory? How To Ensure Your New Home Is Protected From The Storms
If you're getting ready to build your new home, and you're going to be smack-dab in the middle of hurricane territory, you want to do everything you can to protect your investment. One of the most important things you can do is have your home constructed with a steel frame, rather than the traditional wood frame. Not only will a steel frame withstand those gale force winds, but it will also withstand the moisture damage that can come from frequent exposure to humidity and rains. In addition to the steel frame, here are four other crucial steps you should take to protect your home from hurricane damage.
Upgrade the Windows You Install
If you were planning on installing basic windows in your home, you should rethink that decision. Ordinary glass windows are likely to shatter during the first big storm. Either that, or you'll need to rush to install plywood covering before storms arrive. That can be next-to-impossible to do when you're dealing with a fast-moving hurricane, or one that changes course at the last minute. To truly protect your home, you need to install hurricane impact windows instead. Your impact windows will withstand those gale force winds without the plywood covering.
Add Reinforcement to the Roof
When it comes to the roof on your new home, you've got to think about future hurricanes. It's not enough to simply put a reinforced roof on your new home. You've also got to ensure that roof will stay securely attached to your home during those big storms. The best way to do that is by ensuring that your home is equipped with roof straps. The straps will hold your roof in place while the hurricane is beating at your door.
Rethink the Decorative Gravel
While you're landscaping your new home, don't forget to think about the ground covering you're going to be using. Decorative gravel looks beautiful and is a great way to make your home drought-resistant, but it's not the best during hurricanes. In fact, during a hurricane, gravel can get picked up and tossed with so much force that it damages homes, windows, and cars. It can even cause significant injuries to you and others. Instead of using decorative gravel in your yard, switch to decorative bark instead.
Assess Your Insurance Coverage
Once your home is built, you're going to need homeowner's insurance. While you're in the process of building your home, take the time to assess the coverage you'll receive from your insurance company. If you live in hurricane territory, you'll need to make sure that your insurance policy includes wind and water damage coverage. That way, you have the coverage you'll need to take care of whatever damage comes your way.