How to Make Your Home Stronger in the Face of Disaster
Your home is the center of your life, a refuge from the outside world. Unfortunately, no matter where you settle, mother nature has a way of showing her power from time to time. Make your home stronger in the face of disaster by sealing your home, adding strong structural elements, and clearing unnecessary vegetation.
Seal Your Home
Water is very dangerous for a home because it can lead to flooding, structural damage, mold growth, and other problems. Making your home stronger means protecting it from the little things that find their way inside, especially water. Seal your home from water by cleaning your gutters. The buildup of leaves and other debris can block drains and cause structural damage to your roof. You can also seal your home by applying caulk around windows and doors to prevent water from seeping inside. Repair cracks in your foundation to prevent basement flooding and structural weakness. Finally, direct water away from your home by grading landscaping.
Add Stronger Structural Elements
Your home is only as strong as the materials you use to build it with. When building or remodeling your home, it is important to use strong structural elements. Strong materials will hold up better in the face of storms or other disasters. For example, a high-quality foundation, framing, and exterior materials will hold up much better than cheap materials. Even the roofing you choose can protect you during trouble. Metal roofing is more resistant to fires and structural issues that affect other types of roofs. If your home has strong bones, it will support the stress put on it for years to come.
Clear Unnecessary Vegetation
During a natural disaster, debris can cause extreme damage to your home. Fallen trees, branches, or untethered items can break through the walls and windows of your home. If you live in a fire-prone area, thick vegetation and undergrowth can be particularly flammable. Remove flammable debris like dead leaves, thick underbrush, and dead trees. Trim big trees away from your home to prevent them from falling on you. Keeping the exterior of your home clear from hazardous vegetation will increase the integrity of your home during a natural disaster.
Mother nature is a beautiful yet powerful force. At some point, your home will face a disaster. Minimize the effects of a natural disaster on your home by taking steps to make your home stronger and resilient.
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