Back in 2008 we had a major wind storm here in Indiana, really the whole east did, because of a hurricane that then brought the wind to us. We lost our roof, a few outdoor toys, and our power ( for 3 days) because of it. There are things that you can do to keep the damage down to a minimum.
How to Avoid Wind Damage
- Know your risks. Do you know the hazards in your community? How
often do floods or wind storms occur?When there is a wind storm in your area will power go out?
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- Ensure that your roof sheathing is properly installed. The roof
sheathing is the boards or plywood nailed to your roof rafters or
trusses. During a heavy windstorm, wind forces flow from the roof down
to the exterior walls and then the foundation. Homes are damaged when
wind is not properly transferred to the ground in a storm. Properly
installed sheathing helps to ensure wind is transferred correctly. Make
sure the sheathing nails haven't missed the rafters. If they have you'll
need to redo them.
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- Make sure end gables are secured to the roof. 'In a hurricane or
other wind storm, the side walls of the roof (end gables) take a real
beating and can collapse. Gable bracing often consists of 2"x4"s placed
in an "X" pattern at both ends of the attic: from the top center of the
end gable to the bottom of the brace of the fourth truss, and from the
bottom center of the end gable to the peak of the roof,' Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
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- Check that your garage door is properly secured. In a
windstorm the garage door can be easily ripped off allowing wind to
enter your home and blow out doors, windows, walls and even the roof.
- Protect your windows with storm shutters. Installing storm shutters
is one of the best ways you can protect your home from high winds. You
can purchase these in wood, aluminum or steel.
If you take the measures to secure your home, than you should be able to weather any storm.
