Lorene Bartos: Take precautions to prevent weather damage to your home

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Severe weather season makes it even more important to make home repairs and renovations.

Severe thunderstorms, wind and hail can damage a house’s exterior surfaces, drive in rain and break windows.

Winds in Nebraska can reach hurricane-strength levels with at least one wind speed recorded in the state of 114 mph. In comparison, a category one hurricane wind speeds are between 74 and 95 mph; category two hurricanes between 96 and 110 mph.

Vertical winds associated with tornadoes can be strong enough to temporarily levitate heavy objects such as roofs and even homes.

Although damage to homes from disasters can’t be completely prevented, it can be reduced.

Changes in materials can help reduce damage to homes from wind and thunderstorms. Some insurance companies may even provide reduced rates when certain types of disaster-resistant materials are used. For example, some metal shingles and roof types are more resistant to hail and fire.

Install impact-resistant windows that have a better chance of surviving a windstorm and hail. Also, larger eave overhangs may protect windows from hail, high winds, falling objects or trees.

According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, doors should have at least three hinges and a dead bolt security lock with a bolt at least 1 inch long. Door frames should be anchored securely to wall framing and sliding glass doors made of laminated glass, plastic glazing or a combination of plastic and glass.

If you are replacing a roof, make sure both the new roof covering and the sheathing it attaches to will resist high winds, hail and wind-driven water. Old coverings should be removed down to the bare wood sheathing. Inspect the sheathing for needed repairs and how well it is anchored to roof structures. Add screws and additional fasteners or nails to secure the sheathing.

Install a roof covering designed to resist high winds and shingles that are more resistant to hail like some types of metal shingles. Modified asphalt shingles are likely to perform well in hailstorms. Ask about hail impact tests, wind-driven rain and wind resistance of various types of shingles.

Seal roof sheathing joints with self-stick rubberized asphalt tape to provide a secondary moisture barrier. If the roof sheathing needs added protection, glue the sheathing to the rafters and the trusses. Hurricane clips can make roof structures more secure.

Points where the roof and the foundation meet the walls of the house also are very important in resisting high winds and the pressure put on the entire structure. Make sure the walls are properly anchored to the foundation.

IBHS also recommends anchoring the roof to the walls with metal clips and straps. Make certain the upper story’s wall framing is solidly connected to the lower framing in multistory homes. A construction engineer or architect can help determine if joints need retrofitting. Securing or bolting the sill plates to the foundation and the roof to the wall also may result in less wind damage and may help lessen peripheral damage from nearby tornadoes.

Garage doors are highly vulnerable to wind damage, especially if they are more than eight feet wide. Permanent wood or metal stiffeners can be installed. IBHS suggests contacting the door’s manufacturer about temporary center supports that can be attached when severe weather threatens.

Wind breaks also are important to direct wind currents and buffer winds. Weak trees and limbs that may damage the home if hit by high winds should be removed. Remove trash and objects from around your yard or home that could become wind-borne or secure them to the ground.

Finally, review your homeowners or renters insurance with your agent to clarify what is and is not covered, such as mold following a rain and wind incident or tornado.

Lorene Bartos is an extension educator with Lancaster County Extension of the University of Nebraska. She can be contacted at (402) 441-7180; 444 Cherrycreek Road, Lincoln, NE 68528; or at lbartos1@unl.edu.