We all know the story of the three little pigs. One made a house of straw, one made a house of sticks, and one made a house of bricks. When the big bad wolf came, he blew all of the houses down except the one made out of bricks. This might just seem like a fable with a message for children, but it’s one we Floridians can take to heart. Investing in higher-quality construction materials that are more likely to withstand natural disasters will save our homes from damage in the long run. Check out our list of hurricane-proof construction materials below:
Impact-proof doors and windows:
Although it is an investment at first, installing impact-proof windows and doors will give you so much peace of mind as a property owner. When a hurricane is underway, you won’t have to worry about finding a professional to install shutters. On top of that, you won’t ever have to worry about damage from smaller-scale storms either. In the end, it’s a small price to pay for years worth of peace of mind.
Rolling shutters:
If impact-proof doors and windows don’t fit your budget, consider installing rolling shutters instead. These shutters easily open and close without the need for professional assistance every time a hurricane comes around.
Steel Framing:
Steel framing offers much more protection against high hurricane wind speeds. However, many Florida structures still use wood because it is more cost-effective. Wood is still able to withstand 140mph winds. Steel offers more protection, but if it is too costly for you, we don’t think it’s necessary to implement it into your construction project.
Metal Roof:
The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of a structure when there is a storm. If you are willing to invest in any part of your home, we would recommend replacing your roof with stronger materials. However, the material your roof is made with doesn’t necessarily mean that your roof has guaranteed protection. The most critical component to have a strong roof is proper installation. Therefore, make sure you hire a trusted contractor that will install or replace the roof with careful attention to detail.
Concrete:
Concrete walls will protect your structure from flying debris as a result of high wind speeds. Unfortunately, walls aren’t easily replaceable. However, if you’re starting a construction project from scratch, you should consider concrete to extend the lifespan of your structure.
In the end, you as a property owner offer the best protection for your structure by ensuring it is inspected, maintained, and that certain components are replaced regularly. Materials do make a difference, especially if you’re starting a new project from the ground up. However, don’t forget the importance of routine maintenance and inspection. Our trusted contractors at TSpark are here to help you have peace of mind during hurricane season.
TSpark Enterprises, headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, offers a wide range of roofing and construction services in the North Florida and South Georgia area. Visit our website or call (850) 766-1340 to get a free estimate and embark on your construction journey today!