Getting Your Home Ready for Hurricane Season 2018
MILLS RIVER, N.C. – Harvey. Irma. Maria. With these three powerful hurricanes in the rearview mirror from last year, homeowners are again preparing for a severe hurricane season. During National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 6-12, 2018) it’s time to evaluate and make sure your home is ready to withstand Mother Nature’s fury.
According to Jill F. Hasling, CCM and co-founder of the Weather Research Center, the 2018 Hurricane Season is forecast to be similar in its ferocity to what the U.S.A. experienced last year. In 2017 there were 17 named storms, including 10 hurricanes (six of which became major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher).
“We anticipate the 2018 weather season will be similar in its ferocity to what the U.S.A. experienced last year,” says Hasling. “According to the Hasling Cyclone Strike Index, the Louisiana to Alabama coast has the highest risk in 2018 of experiencing a landfall of tropical storm or hurricane, with a 75 percent projected risk.
“Our forecasts show 10 to 13 named tropical cyclones are expected in the 2018 season with six of them becoming hurricanes. There’s a 50 percent chance that areas of Texas, west Florida and the coastline from Georgia to North Carolina will experience a hurricane.”
Get Ready Now
Before a hurricane is even on the radar, homeowners are encouraged to assure that four key components of their home are safe and secure: the roof, windows, garage door and entry doors. If any of these areas are compromised during severe weather, then hurricane-force winds can enter the structure and cause massive damage.
“Because there were so many severe hurricane situations in 2017, it’s important to perform a thorough check now of your home exterior,” says Tim Carter, founder and president of AsktheBuilder.com. “While your home may have held up well during last year’s weather, the strength of your home’s key exterior products may have been compromised.
“It’s smart to hire a professional to evaluate if your roof and other entry/opening areas of the home need to be fixed or replaced before the 2018 Hurricane Season. You want to make sure there are no loose tiles on your roof, that window frames are still securely in place, and that even the sealants around your doors are in good shape.”
Up on the Roof
Starting from the top of the home down, make sure your roof is secure and can sustain both straight line and pressurized winds during a hurricane. Severe winds can uplift shingles off a roof, push intense wind-driven rain at a roof, or cause flying debris to strike a roof.
The smart decision is to select a roof product that meets Class 4 ratings for impact resistance along with the Miami Dade County Acceptance (High Velocity Hurricane Winds) and the Texas Department of Insurance. Composite roofing materials, like the synthetic shake and slate roofing tiles from DaVinci Roofscapes®, meet these criteria and can withstand strong hurricane-force winds and impact from blowing debris.In addition, DaVinci composite roofing tiles are rated Class A for fire retardance and have achieved the highest rating for straight line wind testing at 110 mph. The synthetic roofing material also has a lifetime limited warranty to give you added peace-of-mind.
Your Window Package
When it comes to your home, windows can make up almost half the exterior. That’s why it’s important to select windows that are constructed for your geographic needs.
In hurricane-prone areas, windows created to meet coastal building codes are critical. Impact-resistant windows, like Vigilance® windows, are made to offer exceptional storm protection, from not just wind and rain, but also from wind-borne debris.
“During a hurricane, winds can making flying missiles of garbage cans, lawn furniture and tree limbs,” says Carter. “Choosing a window made and certified to resist severe weather is a smart investment for a homeowner.”
Made by Harvey Building Products, durable Vigilance windows come in double-hung, casement, awning and picture styles. The ENERGY STAR® qualified windows are impact rated with minimum performance of a design pressure (DP) 55 that can handle winds up to 120 mph. Featuring a laminated and double-strength glazing system, these new construction and replacement windows are available in 28 colors or with a premium woodgrain finish.
Remember the Privacy Windows
In many homes, the clear window package is accented by the addition of decorative glass privacy windows. Oftentimes found in the bathroom of the home, if you live in a hurricane-prone area, it’s important to select a privacy window that can also stand up to strong winds and torrential rains.
The Storm-Lite silkscreened glass privacy window from Hy-Lite® is certified to AAMA 506-06 specifications for Hurricane Impact and Cycle Testing, and has a Design Pressure Rating of DP50. Part of Hy-Lite’s popular Bath-Lite® Series, the impact-resistant windows feature heavy-duty vinyl frames in the choice of four designer frame colors of white, tan, driftwood and bronze.
The 4′ x 4′ fixed decorative glass window features a one-inch insulated unit with an annealed, laminated exterior glass in a heavy-duty vinyl frame to resist impact from flying debris. Storm-Lite windows also have tempered glass on the interior for enhanced safety, privacy and decorative style.
Shut the Door!
The final “at risk” component of your home are your doors — both your entry doors and your garage door. Flying debris can impact and damage average doors. Selecting heavy-gauge steel or aluminum garage doors, made to meet hurricane-area codes, is the best way to help protect your home.
Several dependable garage doors from Haas Door® have received the Miami-Dade County’s Notice of Acceptance (NOA) certifying that the doors conform to High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) provisions and Miami-Dade requirements.
The insulated Aluminum 5000 Series garage doors from Haas Door® are an excellent choice to put Mother Nature on notice that she can’t mess with your house.
All 5000 Series Aluminum corrosion-resistant, insulated garage doors are filled with dense CFC-free polyurethane foam insulation. The tough, durable and weather-resistant Trinar® paint finish with a 35-year finish warranty on the 5000 Series doors are tested to withstand the degrading effects of weather extremes. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the 5000 Series is built to last, with a heavy bottom weather seal to repel the most hostile weather conditions.
Entryways into the home — especially the garage door — are vulnerable to impact from flying debris from hurricane strength winds along with air force that can potentially push in or pull out a garage door. Passing two industry tests — DASMA 108 for static air pressure, and DASMA 115 for impact and cyclical wind pressure — are critical for garage doors. For Miami, Dade County, Florida TAS 202 for Static air pressure, and TAS 201/203 for impact and cyclical wind pressure are required.
Before the onset of Hurricane Season 2018, take time to evaluate the structures where you live and work. Make upgrades and changes now that can prepare you to weather upcoming storms.
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