One of the catastrophic storms to strike Galveston, Texas was the hurricane of 1900, and this has remained one of the deadliest in the US. The city was situated in a low-lying area vulnerable to storm surges, and city planning also worsened the situation where sand was removed from the dunes to fill the other parts of the place.
Also, despite warnings that there was a developing storm in the US, the meteorologists inaccurately predicted the path of the hurricane, which left the residents unprepared. As it made landfall, it surged higher, and it decimated around 3,600 homes and killed 8,000 people.
Communication delays meant the extent of the destruction was not known to the mainland for days. Although the Galveston hurricane was later classified as a Category 4, Galveston never fully recovered, and it served as a grim reminder that these natural disasters are going to cause worse damages.
What are the Preparations to Know to Avoid this?
Severe storms are more than just rain and they can cause floods too. Entire communities can be devastated in just a matter of hours. While the technology for predicting the weather has improved significantly since the 1900s, you still need to do your part in preparing your home against an impending storm.
Investing in hurricane-proof doors, windows, and roofs is not just a luxury, instead, it’s an important step to the safety of your family and protecting your property. Here’s how you can safeguard your home when rainy weather hits, minimizing the risk of damage and loss.
Choosing Hurricane-Proof Doors for Maximum Safety
One of the most overlooked home additions out there is the door, but this will play a huge role in protecting the home against vulnerabilities. When the wind pressure builds up, it can force a door open or blow it off when it buckles. In the meantime, hurricane-proof doors are specially built to endure high-pressure conditions, often reinforced with steel or other heavy-duty materials. See more about being prepared for hurricanes on this website.
Although there are a lot of options out there, you need to consider the design and the resistance impact of a specific door. Some of them can come with reinforced frames, while others have additional seals to prevent water from coming in. Choose the ones with impact-resistant glass that won’t shatter when hit by debris.
Aside from protection, hurricane-proof doors also offer energy efficiency and improved security even during normal weather. Many models are built with materials that help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing your energy bills while providing long-term durability that can result in a smart investment all year round.
Learning More about the Types of Windows Out There
Entry points like windows can easily break especially if they’re made of traditional glass, which allows water and wind in your home. This can damage your furniture, and appliances, and even cause injuries. Hurricane-proof windows, on the other hand, are constructed from laminated or impact-resistant glass, specifically designed to absorb and deflect the force of any object that strikes it.
They are going to protect you from flying debris, and they avoid water from entering during a torrential downpour. Some models are going to have added ultraviolet protection that can reduce heat buildup during the summer. They are often engineered to drastically reduce damage to the home.
While the upfront costs for these windows might seem high, they often pay for themselves in the long run. You’ll likely see lower insurance premiums since your home is now better equipped to handle extreme weather, and you can also benefit from increased energy savings.
Protecting Your Roof
Roofs are going to need reinforcement, so they are going to be more prepared during stormy weather. When this is compromised, it’s going to expose the risk of destruction and powerful winds and gusts of up to 200 miles per hour can even peel it away, allowing a lot of cascading rain, floods, mold, and mildew to enter. They can lead to a complete collapse, so you need to install a strong roof especially if you live in a storm-prone area.
These roofs are typically made from materials like metal or specially engineered shingles designed to withstand both high winds and heavy rainfall. Also, many modern roofing systems incorporate water-resistant underlayment, which provides an extra layer of protection from leaks even if the outer covering is damaged.
When looking into roofing options, consider models that come with a high wind rating, it’s also essential to have your roof professionally installed and regularly inspected for any potential weak points, as even the smallest crack or gap can compromise your home’s safety during a storm.
Other Steps to Fortify Your Home
You might want to consider investing in storm shutters which are worthwhile because they can be quickly deployed to protect the home’s occupants against any flying debris. Flood barriers around the basements and doors are also going to prevent the water from rushing into the home. A working sump pump can be adequate preparation to avoid floods.
Your gutters and drainage systems should be clear and in good condition since they will help divert rainwater away from your home, preventing buildup that could lead to leaks or flooding, see more about leaks in this URL: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Leaks_in_buildings.
Long-Term Financial Benefits of Hurricane-Proofing Your Home
Aside from the immediate protection that these structures provide, a weatherproof home is going to give you a lot of benefits regardless of the weather outside. Insurance can offer you significant savings on your premiums for homes that have undergone hurricane-proofing measures.
In some cases, the money can offset the initial investment in fortified building materials. Also, homes with these features often see a boost in property value, as they’re considered safer and more durable.
Protecting your home from storm damage can help you avoid the costly repairs that often follow in the aftermath of a hurricane. Water damage, structural repairs, and even mold removal can drain your finances quickly, and investing upfront in the proper materials ensures that your home is well-protected, reducing the likelihood of facing extensive damage later on.