(StatePoint) With the frequency of natural disasters on the rise, it’s a good idea to think about the components of your house and whether they are built to withstand wicked weather.
Fortunately, manufacturers are stepping up to the plate to create home building products that are stronger and more reliable in the face of hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters. Here’s how you can take advantage of these innovations:
Roofing
If you’re building a home or re-roofing your current property, be sure to talk to your contractor about what roofing products they are using, and ask about innovative steel products best-suited for your region. Whether you live in a hurricane-prone coastal community or in the path of wildfires, steel roofing can offer additional protection for your home. Steel roofs are non-combustible, have wind-resistant components and can help mitigate the risk of fire damage from chimneys, fire pits or wildfires.
In particular, U. S. Steel’s COASTALUME steel is engineered and warranted for coastal environments to bring an enhanced level of performance and protection against high concentrations of ultraviolet rays, excessive heat and rainfall, sea salt spray and hurricane-force winds. COASTALUME combines Tedlar PVF film, which offers improved flexibility and impact resistance with licensed GALVALUME steel, which provides excellent long-term durability, strength and corrosion resistance to protect a building’s roof and walls for decades. To learn more, visit ussteel.com.
Strong Windows
For optimal protection, you’ll want to ensure that your windows exceed your state and county’s strictest codes and requirements and are made from materials that will not only make a big difference during weather events, but also improve your everyday comfort and safety. For example, hurricane-impact windows that can withstand high-speed impacts typically offer more soundproofing than standard windows, dimming the roar of your neighbor’s early morning lawnmowing. They also make forced entry more difficult, providing an additional layer of security. And for those in wildfire prone areas, dual pane tempered glass windows provide protection against flames and embers while offering enhanced insulation, a great benefit in extreme temperatures. During key times of year, install storm shutters or fire-rated shutters as an additional safety barrier.
Flooring
Just as your house’s exterior can benefit from the right materials, so too can your interiors. If you live in a coastal or other flood-prone area, traditional hardwood flooring is probably not the right choice for your ground floor or basement, as it can be prone to mildew, mold and warping. Instead, opt for newer flooring material options, such as vinyl meant to mimic the look and feel of real hardwood or engineered hardwood, made of composite materials with a thin, treated hardwood layer. Likewise, fire-resistant flooring can reduce the spread of flames through your home when every second counts. Thanks to the array of beautiful design options that are available today, popular fire-resistant choices include stone and concrete.
By relying on the latest engineering innovations, you can help safeguard your property from top to bottom.
