A house is a place where you can live in safety and security. You can relax in your new custom home after a long day. But this changes when you experience a natural disaster like a storm. You suddenly feel that the area is not safe. It can lead to frustration and stress.
There are several ways to protect your custom home in Myrtle Beach from hurricane damage. Your construction plan should include simple changes like trimming trees and cleaning gutters. Some safety improvements to your house are worth the cost, but may not be as important. Hurricane-proofing not only increases the resale price of your home but also helps you sell it at a higher price. This guide will provide you with the information that is needed to build a custom hurricane-proof home to minimize potential damage.
What can you do to make your home hurricane resistant?
You should take proactive steps to protect your home not only during the hurricane season but all year round.
1. Strengthen Your Roof
If the roofing is not installed correctly, Hurricanes can cause great damage to a location. Check that the new roof on your house is properly attached to protect your property.
Assure that the builder secures the roof deck with ring-shank nail. These nails create a strong connection that won’t be lifted by wind pressure. Also, seal the roof deck to prevent water damage. As a glue, spray polyurethane (SPF), is applied to the undersides of the roof to prevent air penetration and strengthen the roof.
2. Windows and Doors
When purchasing new windows for your new home construction, check the Design Pressure Rating to make sure they are hurricane-proof. The DP rating measures air infiltration and water infiltration as well as structural load. If the window DP is 50 then it can withstand winds up to 200 miles an hour with pressures of 75 pounds per sq. foot.
Storm shutters are another great way to protect your house from hurricanes. Storm shutters can help protect your home from any damage or injury. Strong winds are dangerous because they can transform harmless objects into missiles. You have a wide range of options to choose from for your custom-made home storm shutters. Storm shutters that are durable and strong will be your best choice.
Buy new windows that are wind resistant and heavy-duty. They can withstand strong hurricanes. Modern stormproof windows are available on the market with stronger frames and can be fitted with shatter-resistant glasses.
You should also ensure that the garage door, the backdoor, and the front doors are strong enough to resist intense winds. If you are looking for a durable material that can withstand strong winds and flying debris, there are a few options. A door must be able to withstand winds of 250mph.
3. Secure Carports and Porches
It’s also important to secure any chairs, tables, or other items of furniture that you have on your lawn. In case of strong winds, you can bring the furniture inside. Your property will be protected not only from the elements but also from heavy outdoor furniture that could potentially damage your home.
4. Metal is the Way To Go
Metal roofing is resistant to hurricanes and can withstand wind gusts up to 140 miles an hour. Metal custom home roofing can last as long as 50 years. It is made from materials such as tin or steel, but also aluminum, copper, and zinc.
Hurricane clips can be used to ensure total protection. These clips are designed to strengthen the connection between the roof and the house.
Reinforce your entry points
The garage is the largest entryway in your house. The garage is particularly vulnerable during hurricanes. Strong winds can remove your garage door if it is not impact-rated. This will result in an increase in air pressure inside the house, eventually blowing the roof off.
Invest in a heavy-duty garage door
You can get hurricane-resistant doors if you are building a custom home in an area prone to hurricanes. These doors are reinforced with steel, and have extra hardware and springs that can withstand the pressure of the wind. Check the code requirements and specifications of the material for wind resistance.
Protect with removable metal panels
Budget is not an issue when it comes to hurricane-resistant garage doors. Install vertical storm braces or galvanized panels for additional reinforcement.
5. Protect and secure your HVAC system
When a hurricane strikes your custom built home, it can cause thousands of dollars in damage to the HVAC system. Here are some tips you can use to minimize the damage caused by storms and keep the indoor air clean.
BEFORE THE STORM
- Use hurricane straps to secure the base from any loose debris or objects.
- Reduce damage by removing loose items or foliage from your area.
- You can cool down your house to prepare for future power failures.
- Contact a HVAC professional to ensure that the system is working properly and needs maintenance.
- Install a backup generator in order to keep your ventilation system working.
DURING THE SEVERE STORM
- To protect your HVAC unit, turn off the thermostat as well as the circuit breakers.
After the Storm
- Check the HVAC unit once the hurricane has stopped. If you find any damage or need to repair the unit, do so. Contact a professional to make sure the system is safe and dry. Never turn on the power if the system is wet.
- You can check if there are any sounds coming from the unit by turning on the circuit breakers.
- Take photos of any damage and share them with your insurer.
6. HURRICANE-RESISTANT FOUNDATIONS
Floor joists are commonly used to span an open area in a hurricane-resistant foundation. The foundation must be large enough to resist vertical and horizontal loads as well as the load on the entire floor. Standard, the foundation for a hurricane-resistant system should be based on Chapter 4 of the IRC 2018 along with local codes in the state.
7. WALLS STRONG ENOUGH TO RESIST HURRICANES
A hurricane-resistant home’s walls play an important role in strong winds. The walls of a hurricane-resistant house must be able to withstand the shear forces in the plane of hurricane winds. This will reduce the lateral twists which can damage the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Chapter 6 of the IRC 2018 should be followed along with state building codes.
8. FRONT: FIBERGLASS
Fiberglass is the ideal material to use for front doors that are resistant to hurricanes. These doors are tested to withstand high winds, and they also block out more rain than wood or steel. According to HomeAdvisor’s survey of homeowners, the average cost for a fiberglass entry door is $150 over $3,000. The price depends on the type of material and its design.
If you are looking for a group of professionals who can build your custom dream home, call Dawol Homes now.
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Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859
Dawol Homes Sales Office
3100 Dick Pond Rd # E
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-294-2859
We build homes in: Cypress River Plantation, Waterway Palms, Waterbridge, Murrells Inlet, Collins Creek, Bellwood Landing, Carolina Forest, Plantation Lakes, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Plantation
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