Almost 45% of all homes in the U.S. are at extreme risk of severe weather like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, Fox Weather reports. Specifically, around one in five homes are susceptible to wind damage, with properties in Miami most at risk. Similarly, states like Florida and Louisiana have the highest flood risk. Aside from physical devastation, severe weather causes extensive property damage: it’s cost homeowners $940 in damage each on average over the past few years. So, as extreme weather continues to rise, you should weatherproof your home exterior, so it withstands whatever nature next throws your way.
Reinforce your roof
Roofs are the most exposed part of your home in extreme weather. Storms and high winds (which are particularly prevalent in the southeastern U.S. and Gulf Coast) can rip shingles off, whereas continual rain causes roof leaks and water damage. Ideally, no matter the local climate, all roofs should be reinforced to minimize risk of structural failure. The first step here is to upgrade the sheathing, which distributes weight evenly across the roof so it doesn’t sag. Hard metal sheathing, for example, can withstand high winds and keep rain out of the home. It’s also important to maintain the shingles. If the shingles degrade or loosen, water can penetrate the roof and cause interior damage. So, nail loose shingles in place and repair broken ones with cement.
Opt for impact doors
Climate-resilient door upgrades deliver a return-on-investment of 188%. This is because weatherproof doors reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency, which lowers HVAC costs. In particular, impact doors are a great choice for states like Florida with a high risk of storms and hurricane-force winds. These doors are specifically designed to resist high wind pressure and withstand hits from airborne debris — far more so than regular wood, fiberglass, or composite doors can. For states at lower risk (like Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota), steel doors are a great alternative. Steel doors can still resist strong winds, and also lend the home a stylish, contemporary look.
Choose climate-resilient colors
Also, choose colors for your roof and siding that suit your climate — this keeps your home a comfortable temperature year-round. Dark colored homes, for example, absorb between 70-90% of the sun’s energy, Penn State research reveals. That means your interiors will heat up more easily on hotter days. Great if you’re in the midst of a Vermont winter, but not so welcome if you’re in hot and humid Florida. Shades like navy, gray, and black are ideal for homes in colder states. Alternatively, lighter colors reflect light and heat, so homes stay cooler during hot weather. White, cream, beige, and light blue hues, for example, look good, and their light-reflective qualities also mean the paint won’t fade so easily compared to darker shades that absorb so much sun.
With extreme weather on the rise, it’s more important than ever to reinforce your home’s exterior. So, take steps to strengthen your roof, upgrade your doors, and choose climate-friendly colors, and your home will be in a far better position to withstand the next severe weather event.
