Natural disasters can cause extensive water, fire, and wind damage to homes. There are many ways, however, to reduce your home’s vulnerability to these disasters. If you water-, fire-, and windproof your home, your home will be prepared to better withstand the forces of disasters like hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and tornadoes.
Reduce a Home’s Vulnerability to Disasters: Waterproofing
When it comes to the risk of hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters involving water, it is a good idea to protect your home against moisture. There are many things you can do to waterproof your home.
To waterproof your home’s exterior, start by sealing all gaps and cracks. If left unattended to, these spaces can leave your home’s substructure vulnerable to water damage. Seal small holes with caulk and larger spaces with a plastic foam filler. Next, repaint your home’s exterior to protect your wood siding. Make sure to also reseal waterproofing components on your roof.
Fireproof Materials
Protect your home against fire, including wildfires, by fireproofing your house. Investing in fire-proof glass for your windows, covering your home’s exterior with fire-resistant materials, choosing non-combustible roofing materials, and making sure your deck is built with fire-proof materials can reduce your home’s vulnerability to fire. Some of the best materials for preventing or resisting fires include concrete, stucco, gypsum, brick, stone, and steel.
Metal tiles made of copper, steel, or zinc are great materials for fireproofing your roof. Slate tiles are another good option, as are clay and concrete tiles, both of which are more affordable. There are different classes of roof fireproofing based on your budget and risk level.
Reduce a Home’s Vulnerability to Disasters: Windproofing
Tornadoes and hurricanes can stir up colossal winds which can threaten your home. There are many things you can do to windproof your house, however, in order to reduce your home’s vulnerability to these types of disasters.
Installing storm shutters over exposed windows and other glass surfaces is one (very effective) way to protect your home. You can also reinforce the strength of your doors by strengthening the hinges and bolts that secure them. You can switch out your garage doors with hurricane-resistant doors or strengthen them with a retrofit kit, and bracing your roof and/or installing hurricane straps will protect your roof against high winds.
Choosing to windproof, fireproof, and/or waterproof your home will reduce its vulnerability to disaster. When the winds beat upon your house, the fires rage, and the rain pours down, you can still feel safe and sound.
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source https://northfortmyersonline.com/2020/09/09/how-to-reduce-a-homes-vulnerability-to-disasters/
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