Essential Steps to Protect Your Home
Living in Florida means being aware of the reality of hurricanes. While preparing your home for a hurricane may seem daunting, following a few essential steps can make all the difference. Hurricanes bring powerful winds, heavy rain, and flooding that can severely damage unprepared homes. Thankfully, Alom Builders is here to assist with all your construction needs and help you prepare for hurricane season, so you can feel safe and secure.
This guide outlines the basics of hurricane preparedness for your home. From reinforcing your roof to installing impact windows and doors, getting ready doesn’t have to be complicated. And if you’re unsure about handling some of the steps on your own, remember that Alom Builders can take care of the tough construction work for you.
1. Secure Your Roof
Your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane. Strong winds can lift shingles, tear off tiles, or even peel the roof off entirely if it isn’t properly secured. Here’s how to ensure your roof is hurricane-ready:
- Inspect for Loose Shingles or Tiles: Look for any shingles or tiles that appear loose, cracked, or missing. Fixing or replacing them now is much easier than dealing with a major leak later on.
- Reinforce the Roof Structure: Consider adding hurricane straps or clips. These metal brackets help anchor the roof to the walls, making it harder for high winds to lift it off. Alom Builders can install these straps for you, ensuring your roof is securely attached.
- Check Roof Sealant and Flashing: Ensure all areas where the roof meets walls, chimneys, and vents are well-sealed to prevent leaks from heavy rain. Alom Builders offers expert roofing services to make sure your roof is weather-tight and ready for hurricane season.
2. Install Impact Windows and Doors
Flying debris can break windows and doors, allowing wind and rain to enter your home. Impact-resistant windows and doors are specifically designed to withstand the force of a hurricane, making them a smart investment.
- Upgrade to Impact Windows: Impact windows have strong, shatterproof glass that doesn’t break under pressure. If a heavy object strikes the window, it may crack but won’t shatter, leaving your home protected. Alom Builders offers high-quality impact windows designed for Florida’s hurricane-prone climate.
- Consider Impact Doors: Like windows, your doors can also be reinforced. Impact-resistant doors feature durable glass and frames that can handle high winds and debris.
- Install Shutters for Extra Protection: If upgrading your windows isn’t currently feasible, hurricane shutters are a good alternative. They protect windows from flying debris and are easy to close when a storm approaches.
3. Protect Your Garage Door
Garage doors are often overlooked but represent a major vulnerability during hurricanes. Wind blowing through the garage can create internal pressure that leads to roof or wall failure.
- Install a Reinforced Garage Door: Look for a garage door rated for high winds. These doors have extra bracing and support to withstand strong gusts. Alom Builders can install sturdy garage doors to keep your home safe.
- Use Braces for Existing Doors: If you can’t upgrade to a hurricane-rated door right away, consider adding braces to your current door. These support bars provide extra strength and help prevent the door from caving under pressure.
4. Trim Trees and Clear Yard Debris
Strong winds can turn loose branches, outdoor furniture, and yard tools into dangerous projectiles. Preparing your yard is a crucial part of hurricane preparedness.
- Trim Overhanging Branches: Cut back branches hanging near your home to reduce the chance they’ll break off and hit your roof, windows, or walls.
- Clear Loose Items from Your Yard: Bring in anything that could become a projectile in strong winds—patio furniture, garden decorations, and small plants. Store larger items like grills in a sheltered area, such as a garage.
- Plan Regular Yard Maintenance: Keep your yard clear during hurricane season. Alom Builders can provide recommendations for professional tree-trimming services if needed.
5. Flood-Proof Your Home
Hurricanes often bring heavy rainfall and flooding, which can lead to water damage. Here are some preventive measures to help protect against water entering your home.
- Seal Foundation Cracks: Check for cracks in your foundation and seal them with waterproof material to prevent water from seeping in during a flood.
- Install Flood Vents: Flood vents allow water to flow through certain areas of your home, reducing pressure on walls and foundations during flooding, thereby minimizing damage.
- Use Sandbags: When a storm approaches, sandbags can create a barrier around doors and low windows, especially useful in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Alom Builders can advise on flood-prevention measures and provide construction services to help reduce flood risks around your property.
6. Secure Outdoor Structures and Sheds
Outdoor structures like sheds and carports need to be anchored securely, as they can get blown away or damaged in high winds.
- Anchor Sheds and Small Structures: Ensure they’re attached to the ground or a solid foundation. Alom Builders can help install anchors and braces for added stability.
- Remove Loose Items from Structures: Store any loose items, such as tools or decorations, inside to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
Alom Builders: Here to Help with Your Hurricane Preparedness Needs
Preparing your home for a hurricane can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Alom Builders provides expert construction services to make your home safer and more resilient in the face of hurricanes. From impact windows and reinforced roofs to secure garage doors and flood prevention measures, we handle it all.
What Alom Builders Can Do for You:
- Roof Inspections and Reinforcements: We ensure your roof is secure with durable materials and reinforcements that withstand hurricanes.
- Impact Windows and Doors: We offer a range of impact-resistant options that meet Florida’s safety standards.
- Garage Door Reinforcement: We can upgrade or brace your garage door for hurricane readiness.
- Financing Options: Concerned about costs? Alom Builders offers flexible financing options to prepare your home without financial stress. Spread out payments to ensure you’re ready for hurricane season, even with significant upgrades.
Ready to Protect Your Home? Contact Alom Builders Today!
Don’t wait for a storm to take action. Secure your home now for peace of mind. Contact Alom Builders today to learn more about our services and financing options for hurricane preparedness. With our expertise and support, you can feel confident that your home is ready to handle whatever the weather brings.
