The weather is getting more and more extreme. Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are happening more often, with greater intensity. The same is true for tornadoes, floods, and droughts. As a result, people are increasingly looking for ways to protect their homes from the ravages of extreme weather.
One solution that is gaining in popularity is the use of home protection technologies. These technologies can help to keep your home safe from damage caused by extreme weather events. They can also help you to recover more quickly from such events if they do occur. Here are some of the most popular home protection technologies.
Concrete Coatings
Many homes have a lot of concrete features. Homeowners think that concrete is weatherproof. This is not so. Concrete is very porous. This means that it can absorb water and moisture from snow, rain, and floods. When the weather turns cold, that moisture freezes and expands. This results in cracking, crumbling, scaling, and spalling. Scaling is when thin layers of concrete flake off. Spalling is when portions of the concrete break off and show the steel reinforcements.
Exposure to moisture can also cause the growth of mold. This also contributes to pockmarks in the concrete. Furthermore, mold makes concrete dangerously slippery when wet.
Extreme heat also damages concrete. When concrete is new, extreme heat also causes premature water evaporation that does not give the concrete enough time to cure and strengthen. It shrinks and weakens, rendering it unsafe.
Exposure to ultraviolet rays can break down even cured and sealed concrete into dust. This happens gradually and you may not notice the deterioration immediately. You may also not see the dust as it gets blown or washed away.
Applying residential concrete protective coatings can help prevent all these from happening. These coatings have more protection than ordinary sealants. Concrete coatings also come in a variety of colors and finishes. They can be applied to both exterior and interior surfaces.
Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are among the most vulnerable parts of a home during extreme weather events. High winds can cause flying debris to break them, and heavy rains can cause flooding.
Impact-resistant windows and doors are designed to withstand the high winds and flying debris that can be associated with hurricanes and other severe weather events. They can also help to reduce damage caused by hail and other forms of precipitation.
These windows are made with impact-resistant glass, which is laminated or tempered. This type of glass is much less likely to shatter than regular glass. It is also more resistant to penetration.
Impact-resistant doors are made of steel, fiberglass, or composite materials. They can also be reinforced with impact-resistant glass. Like impact-resistant windows, they are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris.
Storm Shutters
Storm shutters are another way to protect your home from extreme weather. They are typically made of metal, wood, or composite materials. Storm shutters can be installed on the outside of your home over windows and doors
They can be deployed manually or automatically. Automatic storm shutters are activated by sensors that detect wind speed and pressure changes. These shutters can provide added protection against high winds and flying debris.
Storm shutters can also help to reduce damage caused by heavy rains. They can prevent water from entering your home through windows and doors. Storm shutters can also help to keep your home cooler in the summer by blocking out the sun’s rays.
Tie-Downs and Bracing
Tie-downs and bracing are two other important home protection technologies. These technologies help to secure your home to its foundation, making it more resistant to high winds and other forces
Tie-downs are typically made of steel or nylon straps that are anchored to the foundation of your home. Bracing is typically done with wood or metal beams that are installed around the perimeter of your home. Both tie-downs and bracing help to prevent your home from being blown away by high winds.
Flood Barriers
Flood barriers are designed to keep water out of your home in the event of a flood. They can be installed around doors and windows, or they can be placed around the perimeter of your property.
Flood barriers are typically made of plastic, metal, or composite materials. They can be deployed manually or automatically. Automatic flood barriers are activated by sensors that detect changes in water level.
Protect Your Home with These Technologies
While no home can be completely safe from the effects of extreme weather, there are a variety of home protection technologies that can help to protect your property and reduce the risk of damage. These technologies can be a significant investment, but they can also offer significant savings in the long run. They can help to minimize damage to your home and possessions, and they can also help to keep your family safe during extreme weather events.