5 Basic Guidelines to Help Homeowners Avoid High Wind Destruction

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Your home may be damaged by violent storms at any time of the year. The damage inflicted may vary from slight to very serious. Much of the damage is inflicted by high velocity wind. As a consequence, your home and family may be placed in danger. The following simple steps, along with some follow through can help greatly diminish harm to your house and property.

Roofs are a very susceptible part of any home. It is especially important to check the connection between the roof and the walls. That connection must be sturdy enough to defend against the uplifting effect inflicted by high winds. From within the attic check to make sure the nails penetrate the rafters or trusses. If your region is known for hurricanes or twisters, you might want to add hurricane straps if they have not been previously installed. Building codes in some areas now require them. These galvanized metal straps make sure that the roof and the walls have a solid connection. Also inspect the roof sheathing and re-nail as required.

Windows must be secured to reduce the danger brought on flying debris and changes in air pressure. Consider covering your windows with either permanent storm shutters or panels of plywood. In the event of a storm, permanent shutters are handy because they can be quickly and easily closed to secure the windows. Sheets of plywood are less expensive but less convenient as well. Don't forget to secure any French doors, glass sliding doors, and skylights. Check to ensure your exterior doord have at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock. Changes in wind pressure and flying debris are best resisted by solid wood doors or metal doors.

Most ofThe majority of tree damage caused by high wind is avoidable. Intact trees cannot cause damage to your home. Choose types of trees unaffected by high winds. Often indigenous trees are excellent choices. Plant your trees correctly, that is slightly above the grade. Plant them a ways away from your home. That way they cannot damage the house even if they fall. Proper pruning techniques can greatly diminish possible wind damage. Hire a professional arborist for best results. Circling roots, decay, wounds, structural issues and compact soil can lead to increased wind damage.

Garage doors (especially two-car) are also susceptible to being damaged by high velocity winds. When wind gains access to a garage the result can be major and expensive damage to the rest of the structure. If you are in the process of building or remodeling a home, look into garage doors built to withstand high winds. Existing garage doors can be toughened with extra braces and by strengthening the glider wheel tracks. Kits are often available to add extra strength.

Everyday objects such as outdoor chairs, barbecue grills, garbage cans and toys can turn out to be deadly in the high winds created by violent storms, tornados or hurricanes. store everything that could become airborne in high winds. Outdoor furniture and barbecue grills can be secured by bolting them to a deck or patio or by securing them to ground anchors with cables or chains. Outbuildings such as storage sheds ought to be secured to a permanent foundation. If there is no permanent foundation, straps and ground anchors like those in the manufactured home industry ought to be used.

high winds caused by tornados, hurricanes, and thunderstorms can produce all types of damage. Once high winds reach your destination, there often is little that can be done to avoid damage.
You can take preventative steps however to protect your family and property against high wind damage. Professionals may be required for some of the steps listed above, but skillful do-it-yourselfers can carry out the rest. Be sure to check local building codes prior to making structural changes to your home.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Florida Engineering Solutions has the knowledge and experience to design commercial buildings that diminish the risk of high velocity wind damage. They can also evaluate high wind damage, prepare engineered drawings and help get it repaired quickly.

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