IBHS News Releases

By Harvey G. Ryland

Listen closely and it’s possible to hear a collective sigh of relief along the Gulf Coast. The 2006 hurricane season has ended and, thankfully, besieged residents likely will not endure a repeat of the devastation inflicted in 2005.

Take a breath, give quiet thanks then look ahead to the realities of next year and take action.

No one still sorting through the remains of a home or business damaged in a hurricane needs reminding of the importance of preventing such a loss. Yet, there is a tendency for the rest of us to become complacent following a quiet storm season.

Resist the urge and, instead, take a closer look at what steps to take to protect against future disasters. Whether repairing, rebuilding or retrofitting an existing home, there are many things to do at a minimal cost. New construction offers even more options because of improved products and construction standards aimed at standing up to severe weather.

Spending money wisely on improvements will give a homeowner a good return on their biggest investment – their home. The two main enemies of a house during a storm are water and wind. Consider the weaknesses of the roof, soffits, windows, entry and sliding glass doors, and garage door when prioritizing repairs or retrofits.

Protecting the roof also means upgrading to high-wind rated shingles and preventing moisture from getting inside. Using ring shank nails to renail the roof sheathing will give you a roof that is twice as secure and able to withstand 40 percent higher wind speeds, according to our engineers at the Institute for Business & Home Safety. All three of these improvements cost a few hundred dollars each.

Moisture also can enter an attic through improperly attached soffits. Even if a soffit appears intact, take time to inspect it.

It is also critical to protect the openings in a home, including windows and entry and sliding glass doors. Installing hurricane shutters is a good option.

Our researchers have found installing a garage door that is rated for wind pressure and impact resistance decreases the chances it will leave a house vulnerable to high winds. These features add about $450 to the cost of an unrated garage door.

As funds from insurance claims and new government grants begin arriving, individuals in the rebuilding process will soon make critical choices about their homes. Many other homeowners can look forward to receiving income tax refund checks early next year.

Every decision about how to spend this money on home improvements or repairs can make the difference between a home crumbling under the forces of Mother Nature or holding up against wind and water damage.

Regardless of where the money comes from, it’s important to put it to proper use. Now is the time to consider the options and make smart decisions. Whether a storm strikes is a matter of chance, how well you prepare for a storm is a matter of choice. 

Harvey G. Ryland is president and CEO of the Institute for Business & Home Safety.