After a hurricane, repairing and rebuilding your home isn’t just about restoring it to its previous state – it’s about upgrading it to withstand future storms. These upgrades can protect your home. Not all repairs are equal, and the right choices could save you money and heartache. This guide covers the essential upgrades for hurricane-damaged homes to help you rebuild smarter and stronger, focusing on improving durability, energy efficiency, and overall safety.
Strengthening Your Roof
Your roof often experiences the most damage during a hurricane. When it’s time to repair or replace the roof, consider materials and techniques designed to withstand extreme weather:
- Opt for impact-resistant shingles: Impact-resistant shingles can provide more protection than standard options as they’re designed to withstand high winds and debris, which can prevent leaks and structural damage. Look for shingles rated at Class 4 impact resistance, the highest rating, to ensure it’s ultra-durable.
- Upgrade to a metal roof: While more expensive than asphalt shingles, metal roofs are exceptionally resistant to hurricane-force winds. They’re known for their longevity and ability to withstand extreme weather, especially when paired with hurricane straps to tie the roof down to the walls of your home.
Reinforcing Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are vulnerable during hurricanes. If they blow open or break, they can let in wind, rain, and debris that can cause major damage to the interior. When making repairs, consider the following upgrades:
Install Impact-Resistant Windows
Impact-resistant windows can handle the force of debris that becomes airborne during hurricanes. They’re made of strong laminated glass that prevents shattering. These windows provide excellent storm protection and insulation to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Add Storm Shutters
Storm shutters provide an extra layer of protection. They can be deployed manually or automatically and are available in a variety of styles, including accordion, roll-down, and panel designs. While impact-resistant windows offer ongoing protection, storm shutters can add extra security during particularly severe storms.
Reinforce Entry and Garage Doors
Garage doors are vulnerable during storms because of their larger surface area and lightweight construction. If they’re not properly enforced, they can bend, buckle, or tear off completely. Consider investing in bracing kits or upgrading your doors to hurricane-rated models that withstand high winds.
Upgrading Siding and Exterior Walls
Hurricane damage to the outside of your home isn’t just an aesthetic issue – damaged siding can cause a host of structural problems. Replacing your siding with stronger, more resilient materials can make a significant difference:
- Choose fiber cement siding: Fiber cement siding is one of the most durable materials you can use as it’s resistant to wind, moisture, and fire. This siding option also has a longer lifespan than traditional wood or vinyl, making it both a practical and long-term solution.
- Opt for insulated vinyl siding: Insulated vinyl siding adds an extra layer of protection against wind and debris while regulating the temperature inside. This siding is less likely to crack or tear in high winds than non-insulated siding, so it’s a popular choice for rebuilding hurricane-damaged homes.
Upgrading Electrical Systems
Flooding is a common issue during a hurricane, and upgrading your electrical system is a necessary step for preventing future damage. Here are some tips to consider:
Raise Electrical Outlets and Panels
Raise your electrical outlets and panels above expected flood levels. Install electrical outlets at least 12 to 18 inches above the base flood elevation (BFE) in your area. Some experts even recommend as high as four feet. Consult a licensed electrician to ensure compliance with local building codes.
Install a Surge Protector
Power surges are typical during hurricanes and can easily damage your appliances and electrical systems. Installing a whole-house surge protector can reduce the risk of electrical fires. Ensure the surge protector is certified by one of the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs), such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). For UL-listed protectors, look for a UL rating of at least 1449, which shows that the product has met all the rigorous standards for the 1449 rating.
Improving Flood Prevention Measures
Flooding can cause severe damage in hurricane-prone areas, but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk and protect your home from future water damage. Here are some measures you can take:
- Install a sump pump: Installing a submersible sump pump in your basement or crawlspace will remove water from your home and prevent expensive water damage. Choose one with a capacity that can handle your home’s specific needs, typically between 30 and 60 GPM, and a battery backup system so it can work during power outages.
- Use permeable landscaping: You can reduce the impact of flooding by managing how stormwater flows around your property. Installing permeable pavers, gravel beds, green roofs, or rain gardens allows water to seep into the ground rather than pooling around or into your home to prevent or lessen foundation damage.
Improving Ventilation and Moisture Control
Hurricane damage often causes moisture to build up in your home, which increases the risk of mold and mildew. Here are some steps you can take to improve ventilation and control moisture:
Install a Dehumidifier
A whole-house dehumidifier can reduce humidity levels, making it harder for mold and mildew to grow. They can also improve indoor air quality, making your home healthier to live in after a storm. Make sure you choose a dehumidifier that’s appropriate for the square footage of the area you need to control. Larger spaces, like basements, may require a unit with greater capacity.
Upgrade Attic Ventilation
Ventilating your attic helps prevent moisture build-up. Install ridge vents, gable vents, or soffit vents to allow air to escape, or install an attic fan to move hot, moist air outside.
Rebuild Stronger and Smarter
Rebuilding after a hurricane is the perfect time to invest in upgrades that will make your home more resilient in the future. From strengthening your roof and windows to upgrading your electrical systems and improving flood prevention, these changes can provide peace of mind and protect your home for years to come.
