Roof
The roof of your house is most vulnerable to damage from high winds. Proper roof con-struction is essential. A small investment made before a storm hits can save thousands in future damage.
The connection between the roof and walls must be strong enough to resist the "uplift" effect of strong winds. Roof trusses or rafters should be tied properly to exterior walls with metal hurricane connectors or straps.
Have a building professional use specially designed metal connectors to attach the roof to wall plates, which are already well connected to wall studs.
You may choose instead to use metal strapping or connectors to tie the roof truss to both the wall top plate and the wall studs (see Figure 1). pecial connectors also are available to attach a roof to a masonry wall.
Gable-end roofs are more suseptible to damage from high winds than hip or flat roofs. Bracing for trusses and rafters can add protection to your home. n choosing the appropriate connectors for your walls, check with lumber-supply outlets, a building professional or local building and planning officials.
Windows
Installing storm shutters over all exposed windows and other glass surfaces is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your home. Cover all windows, French doors, sliding glass doors and skylights.
There are many types of manufactured storm shutters available. Before installing shutters, check with local building officials to find out whether or not a permit is required.
Plywood shutters that you make yourself, if installed properly, can offer a high level of protection from flying debris during a hurricane. Plywood shutters can be installed on all types of homes.
Doors
If you have double-entry doors, one is active and one is inactive. Check to see how the fixed half is secured top and bottom. The bolts or pins that secure most doors are not strong enough to withstand hurricane winds.
Check with your local building supplies retailer to find out what kind of bolt system will work for your door. Doors with windows will need additional protection from flying debris.
Garage Doors
Double-wide (two-car) garage doors can pose a problem during hurricanes. Because they are so large, they wobble as high winds blow and can pull out of their tracks or collapse from wind pressure.
Certain parts of the country have building codes requiring garage doors that withstand high winds. Some garage doors can be strengthened with retrofit kits. Check with your local building supplies dealer.
More detailed information on protecting your home from wind is available in the FEMA publication Against the Wind:Protecting Your Home from Hurricane Wind Damage.