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How to Protect Your Windows from a Hurricane
Living in Houston means being no stranger to hurricane season. While we can’t control the weather, we can prepare for it. One of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane is your windows. Protecting them is essential for minimizing damage and keeping your family safe.
Why Houston Gets Hurricanes
Houston sits on the Gulf Coast, which puts it directly in the path of tropical storms and hurricanes. These powerful storms form in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, gaining strength as they travel north. Houston’s flat terrain and coastal location make it highly susceptible to the intense winds and heavy rainfall that come with hurricanes.
- Atlantic Hurricane Season: Runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak typically occurring from August to October.
- Warm Waters: The Gulf of Mexico provides the fuel for these storms. Warm sea temperatures cause the air to rise, leading to the formation of storm systems.
- Geography: Houston’s low-lying position near the coast means the city is at risk from storm surges and heavy flooding caused by hurricanes.
The Devastations Hurricanes Can Do
Hurricanes are not just about strong winds. The true devastation comes from a combination of winds, rain, and storm surges. These elements can lead to widespread destruction:
- Wind Damage: Winds can reach speeds over 100 mph, ripping off roofs, shattering windows, and uprooting trees.
- Flooding: Heavy rainfall and storm surges cause significant flooding. Houston’s lack of natural barriers means that large sections of the city can be submerged.
- Structural Damage: Hurricane-force winds can compromise the integrity of buildings, causing structural damage, roof failures, and broken windows.
- Property Loss: From flooded homes to debris-filled yards, hurricanes can lead to irreparable property damage.
Protecting Your Windows from a Hurricane
Windows are one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane. Flying debris can shatter them, allowing wind and rain to enter your home, causing severe damage to interiors, furniture, and walls. Boarding up windows or installing impact-resistant windows can offer much-needed protection. Here’s how to protect them:
5 Ways to Protect Your Windows
Install Hurricane Shutters
Use Plywood to Board Up
Apply Storm Window Film
Storm film holds broken glass in place if the window shatters. While it may not prevent the glass from breaking, it does keep it from flying into your home.
Upgrade to Impact-Resistant Windows
While a more significant investment, impact-resistant windows can withstand high winds and flying debris. They are built with multiple layers of glass and reinforced frames, offering the best protection for your home.
Close All Windows and Doors Properly
It may seem obvious, but making sure all windows and doors are tightly closed and sealed can help prevent storm damage. Check that all latches, locks, and seals are secure before the storm begins.
How Storm Damage Restoration Works
Step 1: Emergency Assessment and Contact
Once a storm has passed, the first thing you should do is contact Precision Restoration. We will provide an emergency assessment, evaluating the extent of the damage and prioritizing actions to minimize further destruction. This includes making sure the home is safe to enter.
Step 2: Tarping and Board-Up
Step 3: Water Extraction and Drying
If there’s flooding, we will begin with water extraction. Heavy-duty pumps and vacuums are used to remove water quickly. Once the water is removed, the area will be dried out using industrial-grade dehumidifiers and fans. This step helps prevent mold growth and further damage.
Step 4: Mold Remediation
After a flood, mold growth can become a major concern. We will bring our trusted mold inspections to inspect for mold and begin the remediation process, which involves removing contaminated materials and applying treatments to prevent mold from spreading.
Step 5: Structural Repairs
Once the water is extracted, and mold is dealt with, our restoration team will begin repairing any structural damage. This may include roof repairs, replacing damaged drywall, fixing plumbing, and rebuilding any parts of the home that were compromised.
Protecting your from storms & hurricanes
Protecting your windows and home from hurricane damage is essential to safeguarding your property and reducing the risk of serious damage. While no solution is 100% foolproof, hurricane shutters, plywood, and impact-resistant windows can help minimize damage to your windows during a storm.
When storm damage occurs, having a reliable restoration team like Precision Restoration to handle the cleanup and repairs makes a world of difference. Quick, professional storm damage restoration can help return your home to normal in no time.
FAQs
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Storm Damage?
Homeowners insurance typically covers storm damage like wind-blown shingles, broken windows, hail damage, and lightning strikes that cause fire or electrical issues. It also usually includes water damage that results from rain entering through a storm-damaged roof or window.
However, most policies don’t cover flooding from outside, like storm surges or rising water. yYou will need a separate flood insurance for that.
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