Summer storms and hurricanes are simply a way of life for Jacksonville residents. Prepare and protect your home for the long storm season that runs from spring until fall each year. There are a few steps you can take to protect your roof, windows, foundation and doors before the hurricane-force winds approach. Aside from hurricane shutters and food prep, it’s important to have an emergency plan in place with your family. Here are a few strategies to keep your family and home safe this storm season:
Reinforce Exterior Doors
Your doors and windows are two of the most vulnerable elements of your house. Especially if you haven’t updated these elements in the last five-to-10 years, it’s more important than ever to take proper precautions. The best thing you can do is make sure all of your doors have three supportive hinges and a deadbolt. If any of your doors feature a window, be sure to board them up with some plywood.
Older doors may require some proactive repairs. Unless it’s an antique, we recommend you replace cheap and outdated doors. The potential cost of damage from a blown-in door during a hurricane is exponentially more than the cost to replace a door. We recommend fiberglass doors for homeowners who want a custom look at an affordable price.
Assemble a Storm Kit
This is a step you just can’t skip. When the Weather Channel starts to broadcast its warnings, your first step should be this kit. A simple way to prepare your storm kit is to put everything in a handy plastic storage tub.
Be sure to include a battery-powered flashlight, batteries, medical kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, extra money, a list of important phone numbers and copies of important documents. These are your basics to help you escape town quickly in an emergency. Alternatively, these items are crucial if you choose to ride out the storm in your house.
Protect Your Windows
The windows around your home are one of the most crucial elements to protect during a storm. They are the main entry point for debris and water if they aren’t properly protected, which leads to expensive damage and potential injury.
American Window Products offers Astro Guard and AstroFlex hurricane fabrics to keep your home safe from powerful storms. There are other options you can take, too. If you’re short on time or money, plywood works in a pinch. The best possible option, though, is storm shutters or hurricane fabric.
Lock Down Your Lawn to Prevent Loose Debris
Imagine the destruction a heavy lawn chair can do when it’s swept up by winds blowing over 100 mph. Aside from furniture, branches and lawn accessories are two main sources of hurricane damage. Some of the best precautions you can take include pruning branches and bringing loose accessories and furniture indoors.
Modern-day windows offer durable glass panes and strong protection from hurricanes, but they’re simply not bulletproof. Heavy items that come straight at your window around 200 mph are destructive, no matter the state of your windows.
Evaluate the State of Your Roof
A strong roof is crucial to protect your home from storm damage. If the roof isn’t retrofitted and lacks the proper protection, everything in your home is at risk. Your roof is one of the most valuable home assets of your home, but it’s also the most expensive. Every expert in the world will tell you it’s worth the investment to protect your house before the first big storm hits.
Take a look at your home’s roof and check for loose shingles, cracks in the siding, etc. In hurricane-prone areas like Jacksonville, the roof rafters should be connected to the wall frame using metal connectors. This provides extra support to secure the roof in place.
Fully Prepare Your Family and Home for the Strong Storms to Come
Whether you’re a new Florida resident or you’ve lived in Jacksonville for years, there’s no denying the strength of our yearly storm season. While the damage can be crippling, the right preparation will keep you safe and sound. The best way to avoid expensive damage to your windows, foundation and roof is with advanced planning and preparation.
The team at American Window Products has been around for over 30 hurricane seasons in Jacksonville. That’s over 30 years of window service to Jacksonville residents just like you! We know what it takes to get your home in order to avoid detrimental damage. Contact us today to discuss how to protect your home’s windows and doors during storm season.