Help protect your home from the effects of fire, wind, water, and heat.
The minute you see a problem area in your home, you should address it.
Short answer: Yes.
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Many of these home updates for extreme weather are location dependent, says Hamilton.
Cost is another factor in prioritization.
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16 Home Updates to Help Prepare for Extreme Weather
1.
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Upgrade Your Roof
The roof is the first line of defense on a home, says Hamilton.
Improve Gutters
This is a smaller yet impactful home improvement project.
Leaf filters help prevent blockages from developing in gutters, so water doesnt get backed up during heavy rainfall.
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Protect Vents
Where wildfires are a concern, adding fire-resistant vents and vent covers can make a big impact.
Homes have numerous vents and openings that facilitate airflow but can also be entryways for floating embers.
Vents and vent covers prevent those elements from finding their way into more vulnerable interiors.
Options includesolar panelsand evensolar roof shinglesthat can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Go for Steel Doors
To upgrade your homes entry points, consider steel doors.
Consider Exterior Colors
Darker colors absorb light and collect heat, while lighter colors reflect light and reduce heat.
[…] it carries the heat away before it enters your wall.
A helpful undertaking, says Hamilton, is to be sure that water is directed away from the house.
How does your siding hold up to water?
Depending on your location, youll want to look into durability and fire-resistance characteristics, too.
Brick, fiber-cement, andmetal sidingare examples of materials to consider.
Backus says that running an air purifier can help reduce particles that settle on your homes surfaces.
Individual air purifiers are smaller, budget-friendly options, but they only address the space theyre used in.
Buy a Backup Generator
Areas prone to extreme weather are likely to experience power outages.
Abackup generator can help your home stay functioningwhen utilities are cut off.
Create Resilient Landscaping
What you plant and where it’s located factors into your homes resistance to extreme weather.
Remember that the design of the deck matters, too.
The area under the deck should not be combustible nor gather and keep water near the house.
Its all about how the homes interior and exterior work together as a whole, says Hamilton.
These building features work together to help you stay comfortable amid extreme weather as well as during recovery.
Re-siding, adding exterior insulation, and replacing windows at the same time is one example.
Diligent and attentive maintenance of your home and landscaping plays an equally critical role in securing safety.
Hamilton notes a number ofsimple maintenance tasksthat can help keep your home prepared for extreme weather.
(2023, August 24).Extreme weather events are becoming more severe, not less.
