Hurricanes can cause extreme home damage, so preparation is important.

Thousands of homeowners are devastated by the destruction a hurricane brings. After a hurricane, homeowners assess damage to their homes and prepare for the future.

Before the planning stages, here is some advice.

Due to the increase of natural disasters in our country, many companies are now creating products to help protect against future storms. After contacting your insurance company to determine their requirements and prior to collecting references and written quotes from contractors, be sure to make a list of improvements that you would like to make to your home.

Read also: Ideal woods for storm windows


Add Fiber-Cement Siding

Consider re-siding your home with fiber-cement siding. This type of siding resists damage from natural occurrences such as rain, hail, snow, salt air, hurricane force winds, as well as resistance to damage by termites. This low-maintenance siding is a good alternative to traditional types of wood and vinyl siding.


Replacing old windows. (Adobe Stock Photos)

Install Impact-Resistant Windows

Many window companies now manufacture impact-resistant windows. Simonton Windows manufactures the impact-resistant StormBreaker™ Plus windows and doors designed especially for high wind-borne coastal areas. When this window is struck by a blunt object, such as blowing debris, the glass may crack, but the pieces do not fly out of the frame – they adhere to the plastic interlayer.

Check out our article on storm window costs and how hurricane windows are priced.


Hurricane fabric panel installed over a window, plywood hurricane shutter leaning against side of home, and working wooden shutters attached to a window
Storm shutters protect homes during bad weather.

Select Exterior Shutters That Withstand Hurricanes

When purchasing exterior shutters for your home, choose a brand that offers a storm rated version. Atlantic Shutter Systems offers a complete line of shutters available that are approved and certified by the Florida 2000 Storm Code (the IBC National Hurricane Code). These shutters incorporate a patented storm bar system that can be engaged from inside your home.


Contractor Gear
Doing research to find the best possible contractor is important. (Zolnierek/Getty Images)

Find the Right Contractor

Be sure to select the best contractor for your Job. A great place to start the selection process is by calling your local NAHB (National Association of Home Builders). You can secure a list of contractors from them. All NAHB offices require their members to adhere to strict standard and ethics guidelines. Be sure to check references and go look at previous jobs your prospective contractors have completed.

Communication is very important when beginning any type of construction project. The best form of communication with your contractor is to have the entire scope of work detailed with a cost breakdown and payment schedule in a contract.

Many companies and organizations have valuable resources for keeping your home safe, check out www.blueprintforsafety.org or www.fema.gov for more information.

Check out our Hurricane Help page for more information.


Further Reading

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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