Hurricanes are inevitable. Hurricane damage is not. When experts examine hurricane-damaged homes they find that four areas often cause problems - the roof, windows, doors and garage doors. Weakness or failure in any one of these area can cause serious damage. This article considers several products that can be added to improve the safety of these areas, and make your home stronger and safer during a hurricane.
Garage door braces protect the largest and often the weakest opening in the home. Hurricane garage door braces are attached to the wall above the garage door, into the garage floor and to each hinge in the garage door. Brackets attach to hinges to keep the door from being blown in or sucked out. These braces are made of lightweight aluminum and can be installed by either the homeowner or a professional. Once the initial installation has been completed, each brace can be put in place in less than three minutes.
Hurricane Panels are intended to protect doors and windows. They are typically installed when a hurricane approaches and removed afterwards. Steel is heaviest and can be difficult to handle. Aluminum is lighter but usually more expensive. Clear multi-layer Polycarbonate panels are see-through and lighter to handle.
Hurricane shutters are intended to protect windows and doors. They are usually made of steel or aluminum and are attached to the walls around windows and doors on bolts or tracks. They may be attached permanently or they may be removable. They are attached, or closed, when a hurricane approaches and removed, or opened, afterwards. There are many styles to choose from. The advantage is their strength, but they are among the heavier and more expensive options.
Hurricane foam is intended to protect your roof. It is not foam insulation. It is a specially-formulated polyurethane foam adhesive. Hurricane foam is applied in the attic to the underside of the roof. When properly applied it will seal the gaps left open between the sheathing connections and increase the uplift strength of the roof by as much as 5 times. If the roof covering fails, water intrusion will be greatly reduced.
Protective fabric is intended to protect doors and windows. A wide variety of hurricane fabrics exist. These fabrics are lightweight and high strength. Fabric coatings also vary. Some types of fabric are coated with UV resistant resin, some are coated with PVC. These hurricane fabrics resist wind, water, and flying debris. Some brands are rated to resist wind in excess Category 5 and have a burst strength of over 1,200 lbs. Hurricane fabrics have the advantage of being lightweight and easy to install. Most fold up into a small size for easy storage.
Hurricane window films are attached to the inside of the window. They allow glass to shatter but the film holds the window in place until after the storm when the window can be replaced. One major advantage of hurricane window films is cost. These films are quite affordable compared to various panels and shutters. Installation is a one-time event. No other action is needed when a hurricane approaches. Security window films are crystal clear. Their protection is invisible.
Hurricane safety pays. Make sure the products you are considering have been tested and rated to offer the level of protection you need. Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who use products that meet the standards required by the Florida Building Code. These discounts continue year after year and can actually pay for the improved safety of your home.
The engineers at Florida Engineering Solutions can create a building design that fits your needs and reduces the risk of wind damage. They can also perform wind damage assessments and help expedite repairs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_K._Smith
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