When you live in a climate that becomes subject to extreme weather, everything you choose to renovate or replace at home takes on a different level of appreciation. While many people think of upgrades as aesthetic choices or investments in equity—both valid transformations—many more residents consider upgrades a matter of safety, security and survival when things get rough outside.
But not all upgrades are created equal when it comes to weather-based safety measures. Some can make substantial differences, while others are good but not life-saving once a storm comes through.
Windows that Stand Up to Impact
Most windows are the weakest part of a house during severe weather. They’re meant to keep rain out but allow in light—there’s only so much breathability a pane of glass can handle. But when debris is sent hurdling at windshield speed at windows made of thin, regular glass, most windows don’t stand a chance.
Impact-resistant windows, however, are a game-changer. They’re created with laminated glass that enables the glass to shatter but not separate from its confines once something strong enough hits the surface. These make all the difference from regular windows during a storm and for homeowners who want to make this upgrade, a specialized contractor in hurricane window installation ensures the windows are installed correctly the first time, with proper caulking and code compliance.
But impact-resistant windows also reduce outside noise and minimize energy expenditure throughout the year as strong seals keep heating and cooling efforts in. It’s a dual-purpose investment that brings peace to non-stormy times in addition to best protecting what’s outside.
Give More Attention to Your Roof
Most people never think about their roof until they have an issue. But extreme weather occurs on top of everything else in the sun, rain, hail and wind that beat down incessantly.
Impact-resistance shingles or metal roofing make a tremendous difference. Metal roofs can withstand winds higher than the tearing threshold of shingles, and they’re much better at shedding waters than roofs made of shingles when deluged with heavy rain.
Hurricane straps and clips are upgrades that most people don’t think about. These metal connectors literally hold the roof onto the walls of the house. In high winds, this prevents the roof from being blown off the top of your house—one of the most catastrophic failures that can occur. They’re easy to install, but they require someone who knows what they’re doing plus goes to the town for permissions to ensure correct usage according to local building codes.
Ridge vents and soffit vents play a bigger role than most people realize, too. They help regulate internal pressure versus external pressure; they prevent roofs from being blown off from underneath when the pressure inside is equalized.
Doors that Will Stay Shut
Garage doors are weak points that people don’t realize. A large surface area with little reinforcement is like a big ‘welcome’ sign for wind. Not only does it blow garage doors in and out easily, but when it fails, wind can finally get inside the garage and push up at the roof from underneath. That’s when things get dangerous.
Reinforced garage doors—and impact-resistant ones—are worth every penny in areas vulnerable to storms. The same is true for entry doors. A solid exterior door that is properly secured with a strengthened frame and multi-point locking system will withstand much more pressure versus a regular door.
Even sliding glass doors can be impact-resistant versions. These are popular in coastal houses, and even though they look like standard sliders, they’re made to withstand force that would otherwise shatter regular glass.
The Foundation and Exterior Walls
Another component most people don’t think about is how their houses handle extreme weather from the foundation up. In high-wind states, there are foundation vents that can be closed off to prevent flooding during heavy rain. Hurricane-rated exterior panels can be put up via reinforced concrete block construction as well as created shells to protect everything on the inside.
Exterior wall upgrades are not an inexpensive option, but they’re incredibly worthwhile in areas that suffer more extreme weather. Investing in bracing or transitioning to more storm-resistant materials over the course of a major renovation is something that pays dividends in the long run.
Gutter and Drainage Considerations
This may seem like a minor detail when compared to windows and roofs, but proper drainage saves homes from blinding storms. Oversized gutters and downspouts move water away from your home faster. French drains and proper grading get water away from your foundation instead of letting water pool under the home.
When drainage fails, homes get cracked foundations, flooded basements and erosion problems for a great deal more expense than it ever would have cost had a drainage system been put into place from the get-go. Sump pumps in areas that create basements or flatter spaces where water sits provide another layer of protection, as they automatically engage when waters rise.
Gutter guards may seem like a minor detail, but when it matters most during a storm, they can prevent people from having their systems clogged by leaves over time.
The Practical Assessment
If you’re wondering which components are most worthwhile to put your money into first, know that impact-resistant windows and reinforced doors offer the quickest protection for the investment. They’re the places where storms do the most damage the quickest.
After this, roof upgrades—especially installing proper hardware for reinforcement—make the next biggest difference. Then it’s garage door reinforcement followed by drainage improvements and foundation prevention.
The good news is that all these upgrades work together. Better windows prevent increased pressure from inside. A stronger roof stays on better. Proper drainage keeps foundations intact so they don’t create vulnerabilities for everything else. Everything is interconnected.
Every improvement makes your house stronger. Start with the weakest spots and create an action plan as money becomes available. It makes a difference over time and each improvement bolsters each subsequent improvement’s effectiveness. Many of these projects offer insurance breaks, too, that lessen costs in time for extra peace of mind when storm warnings come through.