Protecting a Home from Wind Storm Damage

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

The high winds that bad storms create can do a lot of damage. High winds can rip the shingles off a rooftop, slam a large tree into a house and throw debris through the walls and windows of a home. Wind damage can happen at any time of the year and can range from slight wind damage to a severe damaged caused by hurricanes or tornadoes. The following homeowner’s checklist can help people to evaluate their home protection needs.

How Does Wind Storm Damage Transpire?

During a heavy windstorm, the wind speeds fluctuate and the direction of the wind often changes. This puts a great amount of pressure on a structure. Keeping the outside of the house well sealed will stop the wind from getting into the home and causing damage. It will also stop any debris from blowing into a house during a huge windstorm. Flying debris can cause plenty of damage to the interior of the house. It can damage windows, walls, furniture or other household items and it can cause injuries to people or pets.

Begin at the Top of the House

The roof is a vulnerable part of a house and rooftops can easily be damaged by high winds. The connection between the walls and roof must be sturdy enough to withstand the “uplift” effect of tough winds. People should have their home professionally inspected, and put in specially designed metal connectors that are right for their specific type of roof (flat or gabled) and wall construction (masonry or wood). This will help the roof withstand high winds.

People should make sure that rooftop sheathing is installed properly. They should check to make sure that the attic nails penetrate the trusses or rafters. Homeowners may need to re-nail some of the sheathing in order to protect the home against damaging winds.

It is a good idea to install Oklahoma siding that can help protect a house from wind storm damage. Modern technology offers highly durable, rigid vinyl siding materials that provide adequate protection against high winds. In places such as Oklahoma City vinyl siding can make a big difference in the amount of wind storm damage that a house can endure. People should select one of the Oklahoma City siding installation companies that have a good reputation. A good vinyl siding Oklahoma City company can provide homeowners with information on wind damage prevention.

Protecting Windows and Doors from Damaging Winds

All of the windows in the home should be protected to lower the risk of wind storm damage or injuries caused by sudden pressure changes and flying debris. Here are a few different options for homeowners: temporary plywood coverings or permanent storm shutters. If there is an emergency, storm shutters can be closed quickly to prevent wind from damaging the interior of the house. Temporary plywood covers are cheap and effective but homeowners must know when a storm is coming so they can put them up in time. They are much less attractive than the permanent covers but they do a good job of protecting the windows during a storm. People should not forget to cover French doors, glass sliding doors and skylights.

Homeowners should check to see if their entry door has at least three hinges as well as a deadbolt lock. Hollow metal or solid wood doors are sturdy and can stand up to high winds. These type of doors protect homes from the damage caused by high winds and flying debris.

Do Not Forget To Prepare the Yard for a Big Storm

People should trim any trees around their house that could cause damage by falling on top of the house during a storm. They should store away any outdoor furniture, tools, barbecue grills, children’s toys and any other items that can fly up and hit the home during a storm. People can help to protect their home by choosing plants and trees that can withstand high winds.

Strengthening Garage Doors

Most garage doors, especially two-car garages are vulnerable to damage caused by high winds. Homeowners that are installing a new garage door should choose a door that can withstand heavy winds. People can secure an existing garage door by purchasing a bracing kit that will strengthen the door.

Be Sure That You Are Protected

Homeowners should contact their insurance company to find out whether their homeowner’s policy protects them from windstorm damages. Heavy winds caused by hurricanes, tornados, winter storms and thunderstorms can create serious damage to a home or property which can put homeowners at risk. People should not wait until a big storm hits before taking action. They should wind proof their home as soon as possible to minimize their chances of wind storm damage.