Extreme weather is no laughing matter. Hurricanes can cause tremendous damage to property and, unfortunately, claim lives too. Getting ready for hurricane season early can give you peace of mind that you’ll make it through the season.
Simple Ways to Storm-Proof Your home
Before you start hurricane-proofing your property, it’s useful to know what it is you could be faced with. Storms are rated based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which is a scale from 1 to 5:
- Category 1: 74 – 95 mph winds that may damage property
- Category 2: 96 – 110 mph winds that are extremely dangerous and can cause property damage
- Category 3: 111 – 130 mph winds that can cause severe damage
- Category 4: 131 – 155 mph winds with the potential for devastating damage
- Category 5: 155 mph and above winds that can cause catastrophic damage
Fortunately, it is possible to prepare your home for a storm, minimizing the risk of damage and helping yourself and your loved ones stay safer.
Respect Weather Warnings and Prepare Early
It’s a good idea to stock up on hurricane supplies, keeping food, bottled water, candles, and a first-aid kit in a safe and easy-to-reach place.
Don’t forget to stash some provisions for your pets and keep them safe too. Many animals find themselves without food or shelter because they’re forgotten during natural disasters.
When you receive a weather warning, take a moment to clear any debris from around the property, secure loose shingles, and lay out sandbags as the storm approaches.
It’s hard to take more decisive action when the storm is imminent. That’s why it’s wise to think about storm-proofing when the weather is good and you’ve got plenty of time to make home improvements.
Invest In Strong Windows
At Thompson Creek, we have a selection of double-hung windows that are lab-tested to confirm their effectiveness in poor weather conditions. These windows can withstand heavy rains of up to 8″ per hour, with sustained winds of 146.57 miles per hour. Stormproof windows are one of the most efficient upgrades you could make to your home if you live in an area where hurricanes or tropical depressions are a common event.
We also have a range of storm doors that are robust and designed to keep storm debris out of your property. As an added bonus, these doors and windows are energy-efficient, saving you money on heating and cooling during storm-free periods. These doors are built to cope with heavy wind and rains, helping to reduce the risk of flooding by making a tight seal when the door is closed, keeping the interior of your property safe.
Stormproof windows are made from hurricane-proof glass and fitted into heavy frames that can withstand the impact of extreme weather. They look just like normal windows and can be hung on tracks, allowing them to be opened and closed at will to let in fresh air during the milder months of the year.
Stay on Top of Home Maintenance
Most homeowners appreciate the value of regular home maintenance. Fixing small problems as soon as you notice them is far more cost-effective, and less hassle, than waiting for one loose tile or damp spot to become a huge issue.
This wisdom is even more applicable for those who live in storm areas, however. A loose tile or an excessively tall tree could become a dangerous projectile in high winds.
Make conducting a quick survey of your home and its grounds a normal part of your seasonal routine so those minor maintenance tasks don’t get forgotten.
Replacing Your Windows Today
If you have concerns about your windows or doors because they’re older, not well secured, or have been damaged in a previous storm, it’s wise to replace them as soon as possible.
Extreme weather can strike unexpectedly. Although weather forecasts can give sufficient notice for people to take basic precautions or leave the area, there won’t be time to make huge home improvements when a storm is already on the way.
Contact the team at Thompson Creek today to book a no-obligation estimate for stormproof windows and doors.