If you live on one of Florida’s coasts – you're no stranger to hurricane season. But if this is your first time preparing for the big storms, there are some proactive measures you'll want to take, to protect your home from the possibility of high winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. One of the most critical aspects of hurricane preparation is protecting your home's doors and windows. To help you prepare, we'll go over the steps you can take to prep your doors and windows for hurricane season.
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Install Hurricane Shutters
One of the best ways to protect your home's windows during a hurricane is to install hurricane shutters. These shutters are designed to cover your windows and prevent them from shattering during high winds. They're available in a variety of materials, including metal, polycarbonate, and fabric. Metal shutters are the most durable, but they can be difficult to install and remove. Fabric shutters, on the other hand, are easier to install and remove but may not provide as much protection as metal shutters.
Reinforce Doors and Windows
Another way to protect your home's doors and windows is to reinforce them. This involves adding extra hardware or braces to make them more secure. For example, you can install hurricane straps to secure your doors to the frame or add window clips to keep your windows from sliding open during a storm. You can also reinforce your garage door by installing a brace kit or retrofitting it with hurricane-rated doors.
Check for Leaks
Before hurricane season, it's a good idea to check your doors and windows for leaks. Leaks can allow water to seep into your home during a storm, causing damage and potentially leading to mold growth. Check for leaks by running your hand around the edges of your doors and windows to feel for any drafts. You can also use a lit candle to detect air leaks; if the flame flickers, there's likely a leak.
Seal Doors and Windows
Once you've identified any leaks, it's important to seal them. You can do this by applying weatherstripping around the edges of your doors and windows. Weatherstripping is a flexible material that helps seal gaps and prevent air leaks. You can also use caulk to seal any larger gaps or cracks around your doors and windows. Be sure to use a waterproof caulk that's rated for outdoor use.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
During a hurricane, high winds can cause trees to fall onto your home, causing damage to your doors and windows. To prevent this, it's important to trim any trees or shrubs that are close to your home. Make sure to remove any dead or weak branches, as these are more likely to fall during a storm.
Secure Outdoor Items
In addition to trimming trees and shrubs, it's important to secure any outdoor items that could become airborne during a hurricane. This includes patio furniture, grills, and potted plants. Bring these items inside, or secure them with straps or chains to prevent them from becoming projectiles during high winds.
Create a Plan
It's important to have a plan in place in case of a hurricane. This should include evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and a list of supplies you'll need to ride out the storm. Make sure everyone in your household knows the plan and has a designated role in case of an emergency.
It's important to note that the steps listed above may vary depending on the type of home you have and the area in which you live. Some regions may require additional measures, such as installing impact-resistant glass or reinforcing your roof. It's a good idea to consult with a professional contractor or building inspector to determine what specific steps you should take to prepare your home for hurricane season.
In addition to preparing your doors and windows for hurricane season, there are other steps you can take to make sure your home is ready for any type of severe weather. For example, you can install a generator to ensure you have power in the event of an outage, or you can install a sump pump to prevent flooding in your basement.
Stay In-The-Know
It's also important to stay up-to-date on the latest weather reports and warnings from your local authorities. If a hurricane is approaching, make sure to follow any evacuation orders or other instructions given by emergency responders. Never attempt to ride out a hurricane if you are in a mandatory evacuation zone. It's a good idea to have a weather radio on hand in case you lose access to cable television, wifi, or data.
Secure Your Home with FAS Windows & Doors
Preparing your doors and windows for hurricane season is an important part of protecting your home and family. By installing hurricane shutters, reinforcing your doors and windows, checking for leaks, sealing any gaps, trimming trees and shrubs, securing outdoor items, and creating a plan, you can help minimize the damage caused by a hurricane. Remember, it's always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when it comes to hurricane season. Taking the time to prep your home before the storm arrives can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your family safe.
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FAS Windows & Doors is Proud to Serve the Following Florida Counties:
Orange, Seminole, Lake, Sumter, Osceola, Marion, Brevard, Volusia, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, & Manatee.
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