Be prepared! Tips to help make your home hurricane resistant

Hurricanes are some of the costliest disasters to hit U.S. soil, and KGT Builders can help protect your family’s greatest investment – your home. Most people think of remodeling to freshen the look and feel of their home, but KGT has some tips on options that help prevent hurricane damage while adding flare and improving function.

There are many ways to preserve the integrity of your home, and improve its chance of withstanding a hurricane. Here are three features that will not only help protect your property, but can also increase its value:

Impact windows. Hurricane impact windows are a specialty product consisting of multiple layers of coated glass framed in a sturdy material. One of the costliest improvements homeowners can make, but worth the price. Plan ahead, as they can take weeks to arrive. If you can’t afford hurricane windows or need time to save up for them, storm panels are a good alternative, and there are several options to choose from. For added protection, you can always use the panels even after you get your new windows. Install the necessary hardware well in advance of hurricane season.

Doors that open out. Sounds simple, but it can make a huge difference on the amount of pressure placed on your roof and walls once your doors and windows are compromised by a storm. Properties in hurricane-prone areas typically require outward swinging doors as part of building code compliance.

Roof straps. The addition of roof straps between the wall and trusses can save your home from extreme hurricane damage. Once the roof is compromised, the risk of vulnerability to the rest of your home increases exponentially. It’s imperative to protect the roof of your home if you want the best chances for withstanding a hurricane.

These are three basic improvements any property can use for added protection, but there are countless other solutions that can be customized to meet the needs of your unique home. Don’t know where to start? Let KGT Builders help determine your options and make a plan. Contact us today for a complimentary virtual or in-person consultation and let us get started designing and building the hurricane resistant home of your dreams. Dream. Design. Build. Call us today at 239.992.2300.