Thousands of homeowners are devastated by the destruction a hurricane brings. After a hurricane, homeowners assess damage to their homes and prepare for the future.
Before the planning stages, here is some advice.
Due to the increase of natural disasters in our country, many companies are now creating products to help protect against future storms. After contacting your insurance company to determine their requirements and prior to collecting references and written quotes from contractors, be sure to make a list of improvements that you would like to make to your home.
Add Fiber-Cement Siding
Consider re-siding your home with fiber-cement siding. This type of siding resists damage from natural occurrences such as rain, hail, snow, salt air, hurricane force winds, as well as resistance to damage by termites. This low-maintenance siding is a good alternative to traditional types of wood and vinyl siding.
Install Impact-Resistant Windows
Many window companies now manufacture impact-resistant windows. Simonton Windows manufactures the impact-resistant StormBreaker™ Plus windows and doors designed especially for high wind-borne coastal areas. When this window is struck by a blunt object, such as blowing debris, the glass may crack, but the pieces do not fly out of the frame – they adhere to the plastic interlayer.
Check out our article on storm window costs and how hurricane windows are priced.
Select Exterior Shutters That Withstand Hurricanes
When purchasing exterior shutters for your home, choose a brand that offers a storm rated version. Atlantic Shutter Systems offers a complete line of shutters available that are approved and certified by the Florida 2000 Storm Code (the IBC National Hurricane Code). These shutters incorporate a patented storm bar system that can be engaged from inside your home.
Find the Right Contractor
Be sure to select the best contractor for your Job. A great place to start the selection process is by calling your local NAHB (National Association of Home Builders). You can secure a list of contractors from them. All NAHB offices require their members to adhere to strict standard and ethics guidelines. Be sure to check references and go look at previous jobs your prospective contractors have completed.
Communication is very important when beginning any type of construction project. The best form of communication with your contractor is to have the entire scope of work detailed with a cost breakdown and payment schedule in a contract.
Many companies and organizations have valuable resources for keeping your home safe, check out www.blueprintforsafety.org or www.fema.gov for more information.
