Hurricane season is here again. It is crucial for homeowners living in coastal areas to prepare their houses for tropical storms, strong winds, and even flooding. Although we hope you never have to face any of these, there is also nothing wrong with being prepared. Fortunately, there are ways for coastal homeowners and those who live in hurricane zones to protect their abode from damages. These may include simple improvements like cleaning gutters and pruning trees. Others may cost a bit more but are worth it. A home that is hurricane proof does not only have a better resale value but it also makes sure that you will still have a house to return to after the hurricane passes. If you are currently looking for a custom home near a beach, be sure to include these 5 hurricane proof improvements to your checklist. These tips can significantly help your home weather the next storm.

Protect Your Custom Home

Go Metal!

If you have decided to relocate to a hurricane zone, you need to have a roof that is hurricane proof if you want your home to survive the next major storm. A home’s roof is constantly exposed to outside forces like wind and rain, making it one of the most vulnerable parts of any house. If you are moving to a place that is prone to hurricane force winds as well as tropical storms, your roof will definitely take a beating.

Fortunately, a metal roof can withstand the torrential downpours and high wind speeds brought by a hurricane. If you are buying a home that does not have a metal roof, you should consider installing one. A metal roof has gained its reputation for being resistant to strong winds of up to 140 mph. The American Building Components said that metal roofing provides distinctive security and strength thanks to its interlocking panels. Metal roofs can last for up to five decades, which is more than twice the lifespan of a conventional asphalt shingle roofs. Meanwhile, don’t forget to make sure that the metal roof you wish to install meets all local and state building codes.

The price you have to pay for a metal roof is also a factor you need to consider. Roofs that are wind resistant cost more than traditional roofing. 

Impact Windows Can Help

If you are house hunting for spec homes in a hurricane-prone area, you will most likely hear a lot about impact glass. This type of window, which can be easily and safely installed into your window pane, is made of impact resistant glass. It is strong, durable, and can keep hail, heavy rain, strong winds, and flying objects from breaking your windows. A shattered window offers a point of entry for wind. It increases the pressure inside your house and looks for ways to get out. Your home can suffer significant damage if this happens during a storm. The good thing is that you can prevent this from happening by installing impact windows. Since they are hard to break, you will not only be hurricane proofing your home but also keep potential burglars at bay.

However, you need to prepare yourself financially if you wish to install impact windows because it will cost you more than the conventional ones. Although the cost of these shatterproof and wind resistant windows are higher, the price you’ll pay is well worth it.

Use Fiberglass Doors

Apart from installing impact windows, you should also make sure that your doors are wind and impact resistant. During a hurricane, debris will be flying in the air and it can knock down your front door with ease. Once your door is down, more debris, wind, and water will get inside your house, which can lead to considerable structural damage due to flooding and increased pressurization.

To lower the risks of having to face these problems, you need to take necessary precautions like installing hurricane proof doors, which are made of fiberglass. This type of door rarely warp, peel, or scratch and can stand up against varying weather conditions. Apart from being wind and impact resistant, fiberglass doors are also energy efficient.

Landscape Your Yard

Preparing your yard is also a good way to keep your house protected from a hurricane. Routine landscaping and maintenance can greatly help in preventing destruction and damage to your house during the hurricane season. First, don’t forget to clean your gutters so that the rainwater that tropical storms and hurricanes bring can easily move off your roof. The next thing you need to do is to prune your leaves and remove any other debris in your yard. Get rid of potential dangers to the exterior of your home like loose branches. If you spot a tree that looks like it is about to topple over, call a professional and have it removed.

Install A Metal Garage Door

According to CNN Money, 80% of the damages caused by hurricanes on residential properties begins with wind entry through garage doors. Because of this, you need to play upgrade your garage door especially if you live in a hurricane zone. Change your lightweight garage doors to a metal one. This way, you can lessen the risks of having to end up with a flooded garage.

If you have a Myrtle Beach custom home in a hurricane zone, your garage doors must be made in such a way that it can withstand the force of a hurricane. Most garage doors that are hurricane proof are made of steel and some varieties have additional reinforcement posts. You can set up these posts before a storm comes. In case of hurricane force winds, these reinforcement posts will keep your garage doors in place.

If you are still looking for your dream home, talk to the experts from Dawol Homes.

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Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859

Dawol Homes Sales Office
3100 Dick Pond Rd # E
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-294-2859

We build homes in: Cypress River Plantation, Waterway Palms, Waterbridge, Murrells Inlet, Collins Creek, Bellwood Landing, Carolina Forest, Plantation Lakes, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Plantation