How Homeowners Can Hurricane-Proof Their Homes: Expert Tips from Rominger's Renovations

Living on the Emerald Coast offers its fair share of beautiful beach days, but it also means preparing for the hurricane season. Hurricanes can cause extensive damage to homes if they're not adequately fortified. Here are some practical steps homeowners can take to hurricane-proof their homes and stay as safe as possible when storms come our way.

1. Reinforce Windows and Doors

One of the most vulnerable parts of any home during a hurricane is its windows and doors. High winds can shatter glass, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Homeowners can invest in hurricane-impact windows, which are built to withstand flying debris and strong winds. If that’s not an option, storm shutters can provide an added layer of protection.

At Rominger's Renovations, we can assist in upgrading your windows to impact-resistant versions or install storm shutters that blend seamlessly with your home’s design.

2. Secure Your Roof

The roof is a crucial part of your home’s structure, and strong winds can tear off shingles or worse, rip the roof away entirely. Homeowners should regularly inspect their roofs for loose shingles or tiles and consider adding hurricane straps, which secure the roof to the walls and foundation.

3. Strengthen Your Garage Door

Garage doors are often overlooked, but they can be a significant entry point for hurricane winds. Reinforcing your garage door with a bracing system or replacing it with a hurricane-resistant model can prevent major damage to your home.

We can help you upgrade to a hurricane-rated garage door or install reinforcement kits to protect this essential area.

4. Elevate Your Home

Flooding is one of the most destructive effects of hurricanes, especially in low-lying areas like the Emerald Coast. Homeowners who are at risk for flooding may want to consider elevating their homes, lifting the living areas above flood levels.

This is a significant project, but Rominger's Renovations can walk you through the process and recommend the right resources to see if it’s right for your property.

5. Install a Backup Generator

Power outages are common during hurricanes, and having a backup generator can keep your home functional when the grid goes down. Generators can power essential systems like refrigerators, air conditioning, and medical devices, ensuring your comfort and safety during a storm.

While we may not install generators ourselves, Rominger's Renovations can help you prepare your home’s infrastructure to support one, such as wiring and electrical upgrades.

6. Landscape with Purpose

Flying debris can cause significant damage during a storm. Homeowners should trim trees, secure outdoor furniture, and choose hurricane-resistant plants and materials for landscaping. Keeping trees healthy and away from your house minimizes the risk of branches damaging your roof or walls.

We can help with structural landscaping elements, like installing reinforced fences or designing hardscape features that are durable in storm conditions.

7. Reinforce Walls

In older homes, wall connections may not be strong enough to resist hurricane-force winds. Strengthening these connections with additional fasteners or braces can make a big difference.

Our team at Rominger's Renovations can assess the structural integrity of your home and provide solutions to reinforce the walls and the overall framework of your house.

Stay Safe, Stay Prepared

Hurricane-proofing your home takes time and investment, but these measures can significantly reduce the risk of damage during a storm. Whether it's reinforcing doors and windows or ensuring your roof is ready to withstand the next big storm, Rominger's Renovations is here to offer expert advice and quality craftsmanship. Our goal is to help homeowners on the Emerald Coast protect their properties and stay safe.

If you're considering any of these upgrades or need help assessing your home's hurricane readiness, we're happy to assist you in making informed decisions. Together, we can keep your home strong and resilient, even in the toughest conditions.