Eight Building Products that Can Reduce Likelihood of Storm Damage for a Property

Sept. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- If you are one of the many homeowners who have been affected by Hurricane Irene, you’ve probably had a crash course in all things “storm damage”.  You now know that your coverage for the rain damage doesn’t necessarily guarantee you coverage for flood damage.  You may have just learned after the fact that the entry point of the water determines how the insurance claim is paid out, or if it is even paid out all.  And once you have navigated through this whole claims ordeal, you may want to do everything you can to ensure that you have adequate coverage in the future.  And when you rebuild, you can make sure that that the home repairs performed reduce the likelihood of storm damage for the residential property.  But where do you start?

After selecting a good contractor, you could select durable products especially designed for storm damage prevention.  Pay particular attention to the types of building products selected for the repairs and home remodeling efforts.  Here are building products that can help protect the home against storm damage.

Building products that help protect the property from storm damage

1.   Starting with the roof, a proper underlayment must be chosen.  A breathable roofing underlayment product can make all the difference.  The right underlayment improves the drainage process for the roof by forming a protective barrier that prevents water from entering the property.  

2.   If your home has a flat lock roof, you will need to pay close attention to the fasteners and clips used in the roofing if replacing tiles.  Something like a MT 304 Stainless Steel Flatlock clip or a similar clip that provides a sturdier attachment is most ideal.  A stronger attachment helps the roof remain secure during storms.

3.   If the windows are going to be replaced, you should consider upgrading to a stronger glass product.  Select a window product that is capable of handling high speed winds.  A stronger building product capable of resisting high speed winds is less likely to shatter during a storm.

4.   Permanent storm shutters provide superior protection against wind damage as well.  The hurricane shutters are instrumental in protecting the home from flying objects caused by air pressure from the storm.

5.   A standpipe may be another worthwhile investment for a homeowner who experiences basement flooding during a storm.  During a storm, the water that would enter the basement would be redirected to the standpipe instead.

6.   A sewer or check valve can also be installed.  This valve connects to the floor drain in the basement.  It redirects the flow of water away from the home.  This basement flooding prevention method can keep the property water damage to a minimum during rainy weather.

7.   A drywell is another product that could be helpful in reducing the amount of standing water left in the yard after a storm.  The drywell helps transfer the standing water deeper into the soil, preventing the unsightly accumulation of water that typically occurs after a storm.

8.   Rainwater gutter systems should also be upgraded.  A rainwater gutter system is essential in diverting the water away from the structure.  A durable copper or zinc rainwater system will last for decades.

Storm damage to a property can be costly for a homeowner.  To offset the costs of many of the home repairs, you can consult your insurance policy to see if there are any possible discounts you may be eligible for with these upgrades.  It’s also helpful to see if any of these upgrades qualify for tax credits made available to homeowners who choose eco-friendly building solutions.

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MetalTech-USA distributes and fabricates coil, sheet and architectural metal products to contractors and architects. Complete environmentally-friendly roofing, façade and rainwater systems are available in copper, zinc, stainless steel, and more.