If you have just moved to the South, you will be expecting a whole lot of sunshine and sand as you visit the scenic beaches lining the East Coast. Wherever you settle, from Florida to Texas, you are treated to a culture that’s far different from where you originally came from. If you’re a Northerner, then expect life in the South to be more laid back.
Still, it’s not always sunshine that makes the South a good getaway for any Northerner. Living in these parts, you have made yourself vulnerable to erratic weather patterns that could destroy your home in minutes.
Most hurricanes pass through the southern states, usually leaving a trail of immense destruction behind them. This is not to say that you should avoid any of these states, though. New disaster mitigation technologies and procedures are being adopted to fully prepare citizens for the next big hurricane to come through.
If you are the new owner of a home in the South, it’s important to make sure your property is protected and secured from the harsh weather. Here are some of the best tips you might want to consider when weather-proofing your house.
Reinforce your roofing
If anything, the roof of your house serves as your primary protection against harsh winds. With that said, it’s important to make sure your roofing is built to last in any type weather, be it extreme heat or extreme gusts. You can install reinforced steel that won’t easily picked up by the wind. Another measure is to install hurricane clips that fasten your roofing firmly to the walls of your house.
Apparently, it’s not that difficult to find a roofing company in the South. For instance, you can find a Tampa roofing contractor to help you improve the resiliency of your home by keeping your roof secured.
Get the right windows
Another casualty during hurricane season would be your windows. It doesn’t help to board them up in preparation for a Category 4 hurricane, so it would be more practical to install high impact windows instead. The technology involves using the wind’s pressure to strengthen the window’s hold on the casing, thereby keeping the glass firmly in place until the hurricane passes by completely.
These high impact windows can be costly, but having them installed in your home can increase its value, protecting your property and everything inside it from the ferocious winds.
Perma-form walls
Walls can easily be toppled given the right circumstances. To make sure they are secured, you might as well replace or reinforce your walls with wind-resistant perma-form materials. Sure enough, these materials offer a great deal of advantage in terms of protection.
Storm shelters
Having a storm shelter around is convenient. Make sure to build shelters using the right materials that can withstand even the strongest winds. If you are designing a safe room, be sure to follow the instructions outlined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Opt for a design that makes use of both steel and concrete to give added protection.
