Maintenance That Can Help Fortify Your Home Against the Elements
You may have just bought a cute house on the waterfront, or maybe you’re just trying to fix up your inland cottage. Whatever the case may be, the fact of the matter is that no one is guaranteed safe from natural disasters–no matter where you are, and especially not in Florida. Here are some ways to fortify against the inevitable.
Weather Seal Your Doors and Windows
Florida is one of the states with the highest annual rainfall in the entire country, not to mention the hurricanes, floods, swamps, sand, chronic humidity, and more. You need to keep that moisture out of your home! And the best way to get about doing that is to weather seal your doors and windows. Sealing your house can also increase your overall energy efficiency and prevent bugs or critters from entering. You can do this with weatherstrips and silicon caulking.
Replace Your Roof
The roof takes most of the direct damage of the wear and tear of the elements, especially over long periods of time. Make sure to have your roof checked for leaks or weaknesses at least once every couple of years. Beyond simply replacing or resealing faulty parts of the roof, there may be occasions when you should consider replacing it entirely or constructing it out of a sturdier material. The most common examples of roofing are slate, metal, wood, or even concrete. A concrete roof, for example, can last up to 75 years and can withstand fires.
Awareness of the Common Risks
In Florida, there are certain signs of elemental damage that you should constantly keep an eye out for. First and foremost is water damage. Regardless of your roof, windows, and doors, always keep another vigilant eye on your ceilings, floors, and walls. Discolorations, mold, and other abnormalities may be indications of a long-term leak. It is also important to keep in mind that metal materials in Florida rust much faster due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Have a plumber check your pipes regularly to avoid rust contaminating your drinking or shower water. If there are metal materials that you have easy access to (e.g. a water heater, outside pipes, sprinklers, etc.), you will want to consider using anti-rust or sealant materials to prevent rusting in the future.
While sometimes it may be difficult to think long-term, the fact is that the slow march of the elements is easily the biggest threat against your house–even in the face of large and fast disasters like hurricanes. Make sure to have the proper insurance. And always be prepared to ensure safe living in the Sunshine State!
Check out this article on how to restore your house back to like-new condition!
