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Protecting the window openings of a house is probably one of the most important steps a person can take to protect their family and belongings. When a hurricane hits, high winds and pounding rains are the result. High winds can cause objects such as roof tiles, branches, garbage cans and so on to become projectiles. When this happens, the outer envelope – the separation between the interior and the exterior environments of a building is at risk.
Because garage doors are so big, usually the single biggest opening of a house, and because most old doors are so weak, the survival of a house’s garage door is very important to the survival of the house. Failure of the garage door allows the full fury of the hurricane to act on interior walls, doors, ceiling or roof that form the barriers between the inside of the garage and the rest of the house.
Whether building a new roof or repairing an existing roof in south Louisiana, there are steps you can take to improve your roof's resistance to hurricane winds and driving rain. Here are the essentials for selecting and installing a roof and roofing components.
In a hot-humid climate, moisture flows from outside to inside most of the year. In a mixed-humid climate, moisture flow changes direction in cooling and heating seasons. Using the proper wall assembly in your home is important for controlling moisture.
A radiant barrier under the roof decking (foil side down) can block 95% of the roof’s radiant heat. This is most beneficial when attic insulation levels are R-19 or less, or when the air conditioner or ducts are located in the attic. Radient barriers are also useful in walls that take intense sun.
Read this article to find out which windows to install in your home to help save on energy costs.
To overcome the forces that wind places on a building, construction of the walls with connectors and sheathing is important.
Proper construction of the roof can keep it on the house in a storm. Some roof designs are more wind resistant that others, but even with a good design it's important to strengthen connections and installing materials according to manufacturers instructions for your wind-speed. what happens on the job site can make a huge difference.
Ways to protect your windows and doors against damage during a hurricane.
Because of their width, double-wide garage doors are more susceptible to wind damage than single doors.
According to recent wind technology research, it's important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it.
Your home has either double or single entry doors. If they are solid wood or hollow metal they probably can resist wind pressures and hurricane debris. However, if you are not sure whether they are strong enough, take these precautions.
When you're building a new home, or putting on a new roof according to the building code, the roof will be built to resist the winds prevalent in the area. However, an existing roof can be strengthened even when you're not re-roofing, and often without disturbing any portion of the home that would be visible to the occupants of the home.
How can you recognize when your roof has problems? Use these inspection tips, and suggestions for strengthening.
