During the hurricane season, homeowners in the Gulf and Mid-Atlantic states are at high risk of severe structural damage from the high winds and rain associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. Here are a few ideas to help protect your home.
Here are some tips to help protect your home before a storm hits:
- Disconnect and remove your exterior antenna.
- Resecure loose or damaged shingles, and seals around flashings, chimneys and vents.
- Fix or replace loose or damaged planks of siding.
- Clean out debris from gutters and downspouts and be sure they are secure.
If you’re building a new home or an addition to an existing coastal home, consider using these new Owens Corning construction materials to help you weather the storm.
- WeatherGuard® High Wind 110 Roofing System – When installed as part of a complete roofing system, WeatherGuard High Wind 110 shingles and WeatherGuard High Wind 110 Hip and Ridge shingles create a roof that can withstand 110-mile-per-hour winds.
- PinkFormXtra™ Insulated Concrete Wall System – Instead of traditional wood, PinkFormXtra is an insulated concrete wall that provides superior energy-efficiency, strength and durability. Texas Tech University’s Wind Engineering Research Center found that concrete walls bombarded with 250-mph flying debris sustained no structural damage.
But what if a storm hits before you can prepare your home? Here are a few tips:
- Make a list and take photos of the damaged areas.
- Contact your insurance company to see if the damage is covered by your homeowner’s policy.
- Use a tarp to cover a leaky roof to protect it from additional water damage.
- Make temporary fixes until a professional can repair the damage.
Do you need a contractor to help with creating your storm-resistant home or making storm repairs?
