Posted on 01 May, 2023

Living in a hurricane-prone area like Ruskin, Florida, requires homeowners to take the necessary precautions to protect their homes from high-speed winds and heavy rains. It's essential to ensure that your house is hurricane-resistant, especially if you plan on living in the area for an extended period. While constructing a hurricane-resistant home from scratch is ideal, it can be expensive. Home additions, on the other hand, can be a cost-effective way to improve your home's hurricane resistance. Here are some home additions you can consider to make your home more hurricane-resistant:

Impact-Resistant Windows

In addition to their durability, impact-resistant windows also offer other benefits that make them a smart investment for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas. For instance, they can help reduce noise pollution, making your home a quieter and more peaceful place to live. They also offer increased energy efficiency, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can help lower your energy bills.

Moreover, impact-resistant windows can increase the value of your home. Many home buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes with hurricane-resistant features, including impact-resistant windows. So, by installing these windows, you're not only improving your home's safety, but you're also making it a more valuable asset.

When it comes to selecting impact-resistant windows, there are several options available on the market, including laminated glass and polycarbonate windows. Laminated glass windows have a layer of plastic between the glass panes that holds the glass together when shattered. Polycarbonate windows, on the other hand, are made of a hard, clear plastic that is more durable than glass.

Regardless of the type of impact-resistant windows you choose, it's important to have them installed by a professional. Improper installation can compromise their effectiveness and potentially put your home at risk during a hurricane.

Reinforced Garage Door

When a garage door fails during a hurricane, it can have disastrous consequences for your home. Not only can it lead to significant damage to your property and possessions, but it can also compromise the structural integrity of your home. That's why it's important to reinforce your garage door to improve your home's hurricane resistance.

There are several ways to reinforce your garage door, including installing a hurricane-resistant bracing system or replacing it with an impact-resistant door. A hurricane-resistant bracing system involves adding additional support to your garage door to help it withstand the force of high-speed winds. These systems typically consist of metal braces or tracks that are installed on the walls and ceiling of the garage. When a hurricane is approaching, you can secure your garage door to the braces or tracks, providing additional support and preventing it from collapsing.

Replacing your garage door with an impact-resistant one is another effective way to improve your home's hurricane resistance. These doors are made with reinforced materials that can withstand high-speed winds and impact from flying debris. They also have special locking mechanisms that prevent them from being blown open during a hurricane.

In addition to improving your home's hurricane resistance, reinforcing your garage door can also provide other benefits. For instance, it can increase your home's security and energy efficiency. A well-insulated garage door can help keep your home cooler in the su

Roof Upgrades

The roof of your home is one of the most important components when it comes to protecting it during a hurricane. It not only provides shelter from the elements but also supports the structural integrity of your home. If your roof is weak or damaged, it can be easily torn off by high-speed winds, which can lead to significant damage to your home's interior.

To improve your home's hurricane resistance, it's essential to upgrade your roof with hurricane-resistant materials. There are several options available, including metal roofing, shingles, or tiles, that can withstand high winds and heavy rains.

Metal roofing is an excellent option for homeowners looking for a long-lasting and durable roof that can withstand the elements. Metal roofs are made of lightweight and rust-resistant materials that can withstand high-speed winds of up to 140 miles per hour. They are also energy-efficient, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Shingles are another popular choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their roof's hurricane resistance. Impact-resistant shingles are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris, reducing the likelihood of damage to your home's interior. They are also available in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find the perfect match for your home's exterior.

Tiles are also an excellent option for homeowners looking for a durable and long-lasting roof. They are made of materials such as concrete or clay, which are resistant to wind, hail, and other weather-related damage. They also provide excellent insulation, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Shutters

Shutters are a simple yet effective way to protect your windows from high-speed winds and flying debris during a hurricane. They come in different materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic, and can be permanently installed or removable. Shutters can also add to your home's aesthetic appeal, especially if you choose a material that complements your home's exterior.

Reinforced Entry Doors

Your entry door is another weak point in your home during a hurricane. A standard door can easily be blown off its hinges by high-speed winds, causing significant damage to your home's interior. Reinforcing your entry door with a hurricane-resistant bracing system or replacing it with an impact-resistant one can help prevent this type of damage. It can also improve your home's overall security, making it more difficult for intruders to break in.

Conclusion

Home additions are an excellent way to improve your home's hurricane resistance without breaking the bank. Installing impact-resistant windows, reinforcing your garage door, upgrading your roof, installing shutters, and reinforcing your entry doors are all great additions to consider. At Barca Builders, we specialize in high-performance hurricane-resistant construction and can help you make the necessary additions to your home. For more information, contact us at (941) 920-3616 or [email protected]. We are always ready to help you improve your home's safety and security.