Think your home can handle hurricane season as it is? You might want to take a closer look. Preparing for a hurricane is not just about stocking up on supplies or keeping an eye on the forecast. It’s about making sure your home can stand up to extreme wind, rain, and flying debris without putting your safety or your property at risk. Here’s how to make sure your home isn’t the weakest link when the storm rolls in.
1. Install impact windows
One of the biggest vulnerabilities in any home during a hurricane is the glass. Standard windows can shatter from flying debris or intense pressure, exposing your home to wind, rain, and dangerous internal pressure shifts. Impact windows solve that problem with reinforced frames and laminated glass that’s built to stay intact, even under extreme force.
What makes hurricane protection with impact windows so effective is how they’re designed to resist both penetration and pressure changes. Even if something hits the glass, the inner membrane holds everything together, keeping the elements out and helping your home maintain its structural stability. This prevents the kind of sudden pressure buildup that can lead to roof or wall failure.
Beyond storm safety, impact windows also improve insulation, reduce outside noise, and offer added security all year round. But during hurricane season, their ability to protect against breakage and maintain a sealed barrier is what makes them essential.
2. Reinforce garage doors
Garage doors are a known weak spot in hurricane-prone areas. If they fail, the pressure can build up inside your home and cause catastrophic damage to the structure. A reinforced garage door, or a bracing kit for your existing one, can help prevent this.
Look for models that meet wind load requirements for your area. If you’re not replacing the door entirely, you can install a retrofit brace that secures the door at multiple points, reducing the risk of it bending or breaking under stress. It’s a relatively low-cost fix that can make a huge difference.
3. Trim trees and clear outdoor hazards
Flying debris is one of the biggest threats during a hurricane. While you can’t control the wind, you can manage what’s in your yard.
Keep trees trimmed, especially any branches hanging over your roof, near windows, or close to power lines. Weak limbs are likely to snap under pressure and can cause major damage if they hit your home.
Also, go through your yard and clear or secure anything that could become airborne. That includes:
- Lawn furniture – Lightweight chairs and tables can take flight quickly
- Potted plants – Especially those in ceramic or glass containers
- Grills and fire pits – These need to be stored or strapped down
- Garden tools – Don’t leave shovels or rakes lying around
- Children’s toys – Bikes, playsets, and balls should be moved inside
- Decorations – Wind chimes, hanging baskets, or signs should be removed
Doing this ahead of time keeps your property safer and also protects your neighbours. What flies out of your yard can easily crash through someone else’s window.
4. Seal up entry points
Wind and water love small openings. Even minor cracks around windows, doors, or vents can let moisture in, leading to mould, rot, and long-term structural issues.
Walk around your home and look for any gaps, especially near windows and door frames, utility lines, roof flashing, and attic vents.
Use weatherproof caulk or expanding foam to seal smaller openings. For larger gaps, especially where cables or pipes enter your home, consider using watertight gaskets or covers. Don’t forget to check your roof for loose or missing shingles, and seal any exposed areas that could let water in during heavy rain.
5. Check your roof’s readiness
Your roof takes the brunt of every storm, so don’t assume it’s fine without checking. A weak or damaged roof is one of the main reasons homes fail during hurricanes.
Start with a visual inspection. Look for any signs of damage like missing shingles, sagging areas, or cracked tiles. Pay attention to the edges, too, where uplift forces from wind are strongest. If anything looks questionable, have a roofing specialist inspect it properly.
Depending on your location and the condition of your roof, you might want to install:
- Roof straps or clips – These connect the roof to the walls of your home more securely
- Underlayment systems – A waterproof barrier beneath the shingles adds an extra layer of protection
- Reinforced flashing – Keeps water out of critical areas like chimneys and vent pipes
A secure roof not only helps keep everything under it safe but also prevents the kind of internal damage that leads to insurance claims and major repairs.
6. Install storm shutters or plywood covers
Even with impact windows, storm shutters add an extra layer of defence. For homes without impact glass, they’re a must.
There are several types of shutters, from permanent roll-down options to removable aluminium or steel panels. Whatever the style, the goal is the same: block wind and debris from reaching your glass. If shutters aren’t in your budget, precut plywood can work, but it needs to be the right thickness and installed correctly to do its job.
If you choose plywood:
- Cut it to fit each window in advance
- Store it in an accessible place
- Label each panel for quick installation
- Use heavy-duty fasteners, not just nails
Shutters or covers are only effective if you have them ready before the storm. Waiting until a hurricane is a day away is too late to start shopping or measuring.
Built to Withstand What’s Coming
Storm prep isn’t just a checklist, it’s a strategy. The more you invest in your home’s ability to handle extreme weather, the less you’ll have to worry when the forecasts turn serious. Windows, doors, roofing, and even your yard all play a role in how well your home holds up under pressure.
Don’t wait for a warning to start thinking about protection. Get ahead of the season, make the upgrades that matter, and give yourself one less thing to stress about when the winds start picking up.
