Protecting Your Home: Hurricane-Proofing Checklist
Minimize hurricane damage to your property with these essential home protection measures and preparation steps.
Photo via Unsplash
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Gear that matches this guide
PLYLOX Hurricane Window Clips (Carbon Steel, 1/2")
Plywood clips are how a pre-cut panel stays on the window. They are not the panel.
Works in its favor
- Lets you fasten plywood without hunting for the right screw in the dark
- Reusable season after season if you label the panels
- A small pack is enough to practice on one window before you commit
Know this first
- You still need exterior-grade plywood, cut and pre-fit
- Clips do not turn plywood into a Miami-Dade rated shutter
- A single small pack will not cover a whole house
Verdict. Fine for testing the method on one opening. A whole house wants the larger pack.
Photo via Unsplash. Scene photo, not a manufacturer product image.
View on AmazonPLYLOX Hurricane Window Clips 20 Pack (Carbon Steel, 1/2")
A 20-pack of carbon-steel plywood clips is the usual fastener when you are boarding windows yourself.
Works in its favor
- Enough clips to cover more than a couple of openings
- The panels come down and go back up next season
- Far cheaper than accordion shutters
Know this first
- Plywood is heavy, and installing it in rising wind is a bad plan. Pre-fit everything in May
- Not a substitute for a wind-rated garage door or a brace
- Carbon steel will rust if you store the clips wet
Verdict. The budget opening-protection purchase that actually changes what your windows do in a Category 2.
Photo via Unsplash. Scene photo, not a manufacturer product image.
View on AmazonSecure Door Brace for 7ft garage doors (pack options)
A garage door is the largest opening in most houses. A brace keeps it from buckling and pressurizing the house.
Works in its favor
- Addresses the failure that takes the roof off after the door folds
- Installs for a storm and comes down afterward
- Much cheaper than a wind-rated replacement door
Know this first
- Match the brace to the door height. This listing is the 7-foot option
- A brace is not a shutter, and it does not protect windows
- You have to install it before the wind arrives, not during it
Verdict. If you only harden one opening this year, make it the garage door.
Photo via Unsplash. Scene photo, not a manufacturer product image.
View on AmazonSecure Your Windows and Doors
Install storm shutters or have plywood pre-cut to cover windows. Reinforce garage doors as they're often the weakest point. Consider impact-resistant glass for long-term protection.
Trim Trees and Secure Outdoor Items
Remove dead branches and weak trees that could fall on your home. Secure or bring inside lawn furniture, trash cans, and decorations that could become projectiles.
Inspect Your Roof
Check for loose or damaged shingles. Ensure your roof meets current building codes for hurricane resistance. Consider hurricane straps to secure the roof to the walls.
Clean Gutters and Drains
Clear debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water backup and flooding. Ensure drainage systems around your home are functioning properly.
Secure Important Items
Move valuables and important documents to upper floors or waterproof containers. Take photos of your property for insurance purposes.
Backup Power Considerations
Install a generator with proper ventilation. Never operate a generator indoors. Have adequate fuel stored safely.
Reinforce Your Garage
Garage doors are vulnerable. Install horizontal bracing or a retrofit kit. A breached garage can lead to structural failure of your entire home.
Seal Your Home
Check and repair caulking around windows and doors. Seal any gaps where water could enter. This prevents wind-driven rain damage.
Conclusion
These preparations take time and investment but can significantly reduce hurricane damage. Start early in the season and review your preparations annually.
Continue reading
Shutters, Plywood, or Impact Glass: Protecting Windows From Hurricane Debris
Window failure is how a house comes apart in a hurricane. A cost and performance comparison of every common way to protect openings, including what not to bother with.
Generator Sizing and Safe Use After a Hurricane
Carbon monoxide from generators kills more people after hurricanes than the storms themselves in some seasons. How to size a generator correctly and run it without hurting anyone.
Hurricane Prep for Renters and Apartment Dwellers
You cannot install shutters or replace a roof, but the things that actually determine your outcome are mostly within your control. A renter-focused preparedness guide.