Hurricane season has officially begun, which means that now through November 30th, areas affected by the Atlantic hurricane season will need to be on high alert when it comes to potential inclement weather. When building a new home in Southwest Florida, it’s strongly advised to take hurricanes into careful consideration, because let’s face it…one is bound to crash upon our shores eventually, and you can never be too prepared. Fortunately, there are ways that you can fortify your new home, so that you can be sure that your family and your belongings stay safe during a storm.
Here is our ultimate guide to building a hurricane-ready home.
Impact Windows & Doors
The last thing you want to worry about during hurricane prep is locating your hurricane protection, dusting it off and attempting to figure out how to install it. Among the chaos of making sure you’ve got all your supplies, gassing up the generator and cleaning up your yard (remember, anything can become a projectile during a serious hurricane), installing your hurricane protection can be a tiresome and often long process.
With PGT high impact low-e thermally insulated windows and sliding glass doors, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home and your family are protected at storm time. The fact that your hurricane protection is already in place and there’s no additional work on your part is enough to make adding them to your new home’s wish list a top priority. Other benefits of impact glass include:
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Energy bill savings
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Increased security
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Noise reduction
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Decreased UV ray damage
Plus, you’ll be able to see what’s happening during a storm, instead of feeling as though you’re living in a bunker with plywood and other types of hurricane shutters.
Concrete Block Construction
Many homes here in Southwest Florida are being built with concrete, due to the fact that concrete is stronger than wood, brick and other materials. Concrete construction has an increased ability to withstand intense wind and rain, and offers superior protection against serious storms, like hurricanes.
Whole-Home Generators
Hurricanes can wreak havoc, not only during the actual storm itself, but sometimes for weeks after. This is where a whole-home generator comes to the rescue. Many home buyers want whole-home generators with transfer switches wired into their houses, which allows the generator to kick on automatically if the power goes out. This is especially helpful if one plans to ride out a hurricane or come back and live in the house shortly after one has hit. This addition can be a life saver, as houses are virtually uninhabitable without A/C and refrigeration, due to the heat and humidity of our Southwest Florida summers.
Roofing Elements
There are a number of different roofing styles that you will see in Southwest Florida, but what matters most is how these roofs are installed and the upgraded materials involved in their installation. Tie-down straps, hurricane clips and other safety elements have been implemented to fortify roofs to limit the damage and devastation caused by a serious storm. Limiting roof overhangs, strengthening gable ends and utilizing more durable materials can also ensure that your roof is as strong as possible.
Your Home at Storm Time
When it comes to preparing for hurricane season, Southwest Florida is no stranger to all the tasks involved. And when you’re building a new home, you’re in luck, because you’re able to incorporate the best materials into it to strengthen it and make it as hurricane-ready as you can. Keeping this guide in mind, work with your builder to add these elements into your project. We always recommend working with a local builder, who is well-versed in the area’s unique building requirements for best results.
This hurricane season, make sure you’re prepared and that your new home is protected with top-rated products and building procedures. You’ve spent a lot of time designing your new space. Be sure that it will be there for you to enjoy for years to come.
At Frey & Son, our team has been building homes in Southwest Florida for over 48 years. Call (239) 495-8200 or visit www.freyandson.com to learn more.
