considered severe." (NOAA) There are a few things you can do to help prevent damage to your home during strong winds.
Strap it Down
Hurricane straps connecting your roof to the walls of your home at each rafter can keep the roof on even in very high winds, such as straight line winds. Generally it is easiest to add hurricane straps when you are replacing the roof, but they can also be added by a professional if it will be many years before you replace your roof. Make sure that each level of the home is connected to the rest of it by using straps at each level. Hurricane straps generally cost less that $2 each!
Damage done by straight line winds:
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| Source:National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office of Louisville, KY http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lmk/?n=photoalbum_thunderstorms_2009 |
A man that we know had a barn built on his property. He assumed the builder would use hurricane straps, but did not ask. A few months later he had strong winds in his area. The roof blew off his new barn. If the builder had used hurricane straps, he would not have had to file a claim to replace the roof.
Open Out
Doors that open to the outside instead of the inside can also make a huge difference. It is much easier for strong winds to push a door in if it opens to the inside. All that is holding it is a few pieces of metal. Once the door opens, the house is depressurized the wind can cause structural damage.
Put Them Inside or Fasten Them Down
Secure objects that can be blown by the wind. If picked up by the wind, everyday objects have the potential to become missiles. Objects such as canopies and trampolines also have the potential to fly into a neighbor's yard or even your house.
Keep Them Trimmed
Prune trees to keep them away from your home and car. Branches can cause significant damage in strong winds.
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