If you are considering ways to disaster proof your home, we have a few suggestions and recommendations.
No matter where you live in the United States, there is the potential for a natural disaster to strike. Whether it is earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, or even volcanoes erupting like the end of times, if you aren’t prepared, the results can be personally devastating.
With that in mind, there are plenty of things you can do to disaster proof your home and/or office. Some are relatively simple, while others will require help from a skilled contractor. Whatever your choice, and whatever potential natural disaster you are facing, it’s worth considering your options.
Inspect Your Home
Before you begin potentially costly upgrades, hire a professional to come look over your home and see what the vulnerabilities are, and what you can do to correct them. It also helps to know the specific risks and react accordingly based on how likely they are.
An earthquake might cause an incredible amount of damage (and it is worth taking steps to prepare for that), but if, for instance, you are in an area known for frequent flooding you should address that first. It might be relatively easy to defend against a flood (a minor one at least), and once you do so, you can move on to other issues. Again, ask your contractor for help and schedule regular inspections.
Secure Your House, Out and In
Regardless of which possible natural disaster keeps you up at night, make sure your house is as secure and it can be – both the house itself and the outdoor structures as well.
If, for instance, you have a tool shed, make sure it is properly secured. You’ll probably want to make sure there is a lock on it for security reasons anyway, but double check the hinges to see confirm they are properly situated so the doors won’t fly open, and that the foundation of the shed is secure. You should also consider moving the shed if it is directly next to your house. If it falls over, better it falls on the far side of your yard than into your home.
You might also want to consider a secure area, or at least think of a way to secure the rest of your external equipment. Garbage cans and garden boxes can come loose and cause problems if they aren’t properly situated, for example.
Another relatively simple addition to your house are storm shutters. This won’t help you out in many situations, but if you are facing heavy wind and rains they can prevent major damage, including flying glass. They are also relatively inexpensive, and a contractor can have them installed in no time at all. And speaking of heavy rains, make sure your gutters are clean and functional. If they are damaged, it’s worth repairing or replacing them.
You should also check on any trees nearby. If there are branches that could fall on your house, you should prune them or consider having the tree removed. A contractor might not be able to help with this directly, but they can almost certainly recommend someone, or arrange for someone to come out for an assessment.
Enforce Your Structure
While this one is easier said than done, check with a contractor about where they can help to re-enforce your home or business. In many cases, structural enforcement is a difficult endeavor, but there may be ways to re-enforce a few areas that won’t break the bank and will help you immeasurably in the long run.
You can start by re-enforcing or replacing your door relatively easily. Not only will it provide extra security, the front door of a home is often a focal point. Having an attractive door can actually help to increase the value of your property.
There are smaller things you can do as well, including looking into new windows. If you have a large, single pane window in your living room, you might want to consider having it replaced. It’s safer in case it breaks, and it can help you save energy by further insulating your house.
Repair Cracks and Check Your Roof
Regardless of natural disasters, if you see any cracks in your house you should repair them immediately. There are many reasons to do this, including helping to insulate your house, but if there is a disaster small cracks can become major problems. And if they are structural, the sooner you address them the better. Call out a contractor and have them look them over and let you know what you need to do to repair them.
While you are at it, have the contractor take a look at your roof.
If there are any problems with the roof, it’s best to address them right away. A leaky roof can lead to several other, major issues at the best of times. If a disaster strikes a strong roof might be the difference between a damaged and a totaled house. A contractor can generally assess any issues quickly and easily and provide options.
Disaster Insurance
While you should do everything within your power (and budget) to disaster proof your home, ultimately you can’t defend against everything.
Talk to your insurance agent and ask them what options are available when it comes to damage from natural disasters. Flood and earthquake insurance are common, so see if you how much it will cost you and what exactly they cover. Then, if the worst happens, you can at least rest easy knowing you have the means to rebuild.
If that happens, contact a contractor that is willing to work with you to ensure that once the repairs are complete, you are better off than you were before.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are thinking about how disaster proof your home or business, contact Fleschner Construction now to schedule an appointment for an inspection.