Living in Florida comes with experiencing hurricanes. This year was especially hard after Florida was hit with both hurricane Helene and hurricane Milton. As a Tampa Bay Designer, we know many homes and businesses were lost due to flooding and have to start the process of rebuilding. Hurricanes have several major factors which impact our structures. A house can only withstand so much and various factors can affect how your house performs during a storm. Be prepared and keep in mind to hide from the wind, run from the water.
Planning your home for hurricanes in Florida requires careful consideration of both aesthetics and practicality. When designing your home for a hurricane, you can consider
the following tips:
- Use impact-resistant windows and reinforced doors, or install storm shutters that can be pulled into place when a storm approaches.
- Choose materials, like vinyl flooring and tile, that can withstand moisture and flooding.
- Using sealants such as silicone-based sprays or liquid rubber can protect the roof from water seepage during a hurricane, which is essential for preventing interior water damage.
- If you’re in a flood-prone location, elevating your home can be a game-changer for protecting your home against flooding. You can protect your home by elevating it above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for your area.
- Install a garage door bracing system to help prevent pressure from caving in the doors.
- Have spray foam insulation applied to the underside of the roof deck. Ventilated attics have the potential to not only create uplift during a storm, but also allow water to be blown in the ridge vents.
