Four Easy Tips for Weather Proofing Your Beach Home

Well, the dog days of summer have officially arrived! And, on the Grand Strand, that can mean only one thing—hurricane season is officially upon us.

Dealing with inclement weather during hurricane season is just a part of the coastal lifestyle. And, while no home can ever truly be called “hurricane-proof,” there are several crucial things that any homeowner can do to keep their home and family safe from severe weather.

Secure Your Windows and Doors

The first step in storm-proofing any beach home is securing your doors and windows. Most storm damage done to the interior of a home occurs when doors or windows leak or shatter as a resort of debris flung by hurricane-force winds.

If you have the time and budget, the best bet for securing your home is by swapping out any old windows in your home with durable, impact-resistant windows. Most modern windows are built from sturdy, durable frames and shatter-resistant glass that can provide a wide array of benefits—including UV protection and increased energy efficiency. If you are looking to take a little less invasive measures to protect your home, you can also treat your windows with Hurricane Film. This innovative type of film is quick to install and requires little to no maintenance. You can also help protect your home by installing storm shutters and storm doors.  

And, while your making upgrades to your doors and windows, don’t forget to secure your garage door. According to CNN Money, “80 percent of residential hurricane damage starts with wind entry through garage doors.”

To help keep your garage secure, you can strengthen your current system with add on reinforcement posts, or you can choose to replace your existing garage door with a new steel garage door. Most garage door replacements are typically quick to install, and range in price from $750 and $1,295.

Inspect Your Roof

After windows and doors, damaged or leaky roofs account for the most common cause of damage during severe weather. During a hurricane, excessive rainfall can leave your home riddled with water damage, while gale-force winds can quickly turn loose shingles into flying shrapnel.

That is why it is so important to check your roof for any signs of damage before your next storm. If you see any spots where the shingles appear loose, secure them in place with premium flooring adhesive. This adhesive can be found at any home improvement store and can easily be applied with a standard a caulking gun.

Landscape the Yard

One of the best and easiest ways to keep your home protected from severe weather is simply to prep your yard. Regular landscaping goes a long way towards dissipating rainwater and removing potential wind hazards during inclement weather.

Start by cleaning out your gutters. This will help heavy rainwater from hurricanes and tropical storms to move more quickly off your roof. Next, prune all the trees and bushes that surround your home. This will remove any dangerous limbs that may damage your home or even knock out the power in hurricane-force winds. Be sure to remove all pinecones, tree limbs, and any other loose debris you may find lying around in your yard to mitigate the risk of projectile damage. Also, if during this cleanup process, you come across any unstable looking trees, be sure to call a local landscaping company as quickly as possible to have them professionally removed.

Lastly, secure any outdoor furniture you may have by either moving them inside your home or garage or by moving them to an exterior storage building.

Stock Up on Supplies

In addition to securing your home, make sure that you and your family are well provisioned with any supplies that you may need. Prepare an emergency hurricane kit,

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division recommends that all hurricane kits should include the following items.

• Enough bottled water and non-perishable food to sustain each family member for three days,
• A weather radio,
• Flashlight,
• Extra batteries,
• Extra phone chargers,
• Toiletries
• Matches,
• A change of clothes,
• Blankets or sleeping bag,
• Rain gear,
• Copies of important documents—such as birth certificates and insurance policies.

This year, thanks to the added complication of COVID-19, officials are also recommending that you add face coverings, hand sanitizer, cleaning products, and sanitizing wipes to your existing hurricane kit.

If you have not done so already, you should also download the SCEMD app to your phone or tablet to stay up to date with the latest information.

Looking For a Beach Home to Secure?

Looking for a new beach home to weather proof? Then turn to the local real estate experts at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elliott Coastal Living.

For more than 60 years, BHGRE Elliott Coastal Living has been the name you can trust in the Grand Strand for all your real estate needs. Using the latest technology and most innovative marketing strategies, we guarantee that our friendly staff and real estate professionals will find you the home of your dreams.

Give us a call at 843-280-5704 or stop by our office today.