How to Make Your Home Withstand The Upcoming Hurricane Season

2365 Chippewa Street, Listed By Joey Walker

Hurricane season begins in June and ends in November, and you need to make preparations to keep your home and family safe. You also want to prevent expensive repairs. Hurricane Katrina cost around ​​$65 billion in insured losses.

Despite all this, New Orleans has a mesmerizing beauty, history, and culture, and people flock to live there or visit. Here are a few ways to stormproof your house and stay safe amid the storms so you can continue letting le bons temps rouler.

1. Replace Your Roof With Metal

Metal can withstand intense wind speeds and heavy downpours and is made from interlocking panels to provide lasting durability. This material also increases safety since it doesn’t ignite flames. Metal awnings are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly to boot.

However, it’s more costly upfront and noisier than other materials, although it provides better peace of mind. It’s also vital to replace it if it’s older — most structures will last 25-40years.

2. Secure Your Windows

One way to protect your home from flying debris is to install impact glass to prevent heavy winds and hail from shattering it. They can also help keep out thieves. However, it may be a little costly to install. The average price is about $8,000.

Make sure to repair and update your casements, as well. Holes can provide an entryway for wind and increase internal pressure. Weatherstripping and caulking are good ways to seal off any cracks.

3. Strengthen Your Entry Points

Your doors are another place wind and rain can enter, so be sure yours is hurricane-proof. These are usually made from fiberglass materials, preventing flying debris from knocking them out. This can lead to structural damage or excess flooding.

Update your garage door along with your front entryway. Look for metal versions with steel reinforcements, extra hardware and spring components.

4. Invest in Proper Landscaping

Your yard helps protect your home. Regular upkeep ensures your property is safe during hurricane season. The first step is to clean your gutters since dirt and leaves can build up, causing an accumulation of stormwater. This can then lead to internal leaks or mold growth.

Next, remove any dead or loose branches, especially ones near windows. In addition, trim the trees surrounding your home. If you’re not sure about the structure of a limb, call a professional arborist to get an inspection.

5. Install Metal Supports

There are options if you don’t want to update to a metal roof or garage door. Use removable galvanized steel or aluminum panels. These provide extra support against high-impact winds.

You can also add vertical storm braces for extra strength. Buy a garage door bracing kit, which includes mounts and hardware, for easy installation. You can find them at your local home improvement store.

6. Maintain Your HVAC System

A storm can damage your HVAC system and lead to costly repairs. However, you can take steps to prepare for a hurricane. Start by placing a protective cage around its base and putting a trap over the unit. Then, remove any foliage or loose items near the system. That way, the wind doesn’t knock them into the structure.

Here are a few more tips:

• Cool down your home as much as possible.
• Schedule a professional inspection.
• Buy a backup generator in case of a power outage.
• Shut off the thermostat and circuit breakers for your HVAC system during the storm.

7. Take Preventive Measures

Being proactive can help prevent last-minute damage, especially since some storms may seem to come out of nowhere. Start by closing your garage door and all the interior ones. This will help reduce pressure on the roof.

Here are a few more things you can do to stay alert:

• Get reliable weather updates.
• Secure any loose items and bring in patio furniture.
• Create a home inventory list of all your belongings.
• Buy safety supplies such as a sump pump, surge protector, home generator and disaster kit.
• Redirect your downspouts away from the foundation and check your outdoor drains.

8. Ask About Insurance Discounts

You could be eligible for an insurance discount if your roof is highly wind-resistant. Some places also offer price reductionsfor installing storm shutters and impact-resistant glass. These insurance incentives protect your home and reduce the cost of hurricane-proof upgrades.

Consider getting flood insurance if you live in a coastal area. You can start by reaching out to the same company that sells your home and auto insurance.

9. Inspect Your Roof

Your roof protects your home's interior, so have it professionally inspected regularly. Contractors can check for any signs of missing, curled or cracked shingles. That way, you can make the repairs right away.

Your interior belongings are vulnerable to the elements if roof problems aren’t fixed. The cost will depend on your location, material type and how much is being replaced. The average price is around $378-$1,698.

10. Check Your Home’s Foundation

Inspect your foundation for any signs of cracks or distress. A weak foundation is vulnerable to damage from winds and heavy rainfall. It’s best to have this done professionally, but you can also do it yourself. Walk around the perimeter and look for any signs of bulging, leaning or moisture.

Also, look at the interior walls and floor. Pay attention to any buckling floor boards. In addition, ensure all your windows and doors open and close smoothly. Get any of these issues fixed right away.

Steps to Hurricane-Proof Your House

Hurricanes can significantly damage your home. However, taking the proper steps can keep your family safe. Follow these tips to be safe and ride out the stormy season in the Big Easy.

*Written By Rose Morrison of renovated.com