Simonton Windows: More than Ready

Secure your home where it's most vulnerable

Residents of areas that are prone to significant storms and other natural disasters certainly know how to prepare themselves for when Mother Nature strikes. Preparation includes stocking up on batteries, bottled water, nonperishable foods, and mapping evacuation routes. Also, keeping a battery-operated radio nearby is necessary to receive important weather updates and safety instructions from local authorities.

But there are additional measures that can be taken well before the forecast of a severe weather event. Steps can be taken to ensure safety, decrease financial loss, and maintain the well-being of a family's most important investment: its home. Due to the likelihood of damage from hurricanes and tropical storms, construction standards and codes are stricter in coastal areas. But these standards only indicate the minimum guidelines for storm readiness and do not guarantee that your home will survive an intense storm.

Windows: Installing impact-resistant windows is one of the best ways to protect the home from high winds and debris damage that occur during major storms. These windows are most effective in keeping strong winds from entering a home. Wind entering a home - even through just a single opening - can increase internal air pressure, causing uplift on roofs and the rest of the structure.

Debris damage is another major concern during intense storms. Consider investing in impact-resistant windows that can withstand winds approaching 150 miles per hour and breakage when struck by flying debris. Today's highest-end products are made of a durable vinyl frame reinforced by steel. The window panes include a strong, invisible, plastic inner layer that, like a car's windshield, will not allow wind, precipitation, or debris to enter the home even when the glass has shattered.

Doors: Homes comprise a variety of different entryways and each type of door is affected differently by major storms. Patio doors, especially the sliding glass variety, are extremely prone to damage during coastal storms. It is very important to consider impact-resistant glass in these types of doors. Entry doors should include at least three hinges and a dead-bolt security lock that is at least one inch long. Be sure to anchor door frames securely to wall framing.

Because of their size, garage doors are most vulnerable to wind damage. The doors themselves, as well as the track system, should be checked for security by a qualified inspector. It may be necessary to install permanent wood or metal stiffeners to the door itself. Another option is to have temporary center supports on hand, which can be installed in advance of an approaching storm. Most garage door manufacturers will be able to recommend the proper type of center supports that work best in protecting your garage doors.

Surrounding Property and Landscape: The home may also be prone to damage from surrounding property and landscape. Replacing gravel and rock landscaping with a lighter-weight material such as shredded bark is a simple measure that may prevent debris damage. Homeowners should also be sure to manage trees and shrubbery. By removing loose or damaged pieces, the owner can guarantee those limbs don't damage nearby homes.