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Bracing for Hurricane Season
 It's that time of year again. Homeowners and visitors to Cape Cod, who come to enjoy the beautiful seaside community and scenic coastal vistas, are typically not thinking about potential property damage from a hurricane. Yet, this is all too familiar to coastal dwellers. Hurricanes have the potential to cause significant damage and destruction to residences and businesses in coastal areas. The loss to property can be substantial; the loss of life-devastating. Homeowners can protect family and property from the effects of a hurricane by preparing before a hurricane warning or hurricane watch is issued.
A hurricane is a violent storm that can bring intense winds, heavy rain, flooding, and a storm surge. Hurricanes can cause landslides and extensive coastal erosion. It is difficult to predict the exact time, place, and force of a hurricane, however, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issues an outlook each season. The 2010 hurricane season is expected to be "active to extremely active." Each season, on average, six hurricanes form in the Atlantic Ocean, two of which become major hurricanes.
Residents and businesses of coastal and near-coastal regions are urged to prepare for hurricane season regardless of the expected level of hurricane activity. Properties that are located within one mile of the shoreline or in wind-borne debris zones are most susceptible to damage during a hurricane. Building code requirements are generally quite stringent for dwellings in these vulnerable areas. Materials, framing, and protective coverings should be as resistant to wind and wind-driven rain as possible.
Evaluating and securing your home/business, both inside and out, can help diminish damage. Inspect the roof, walls, windows, doors, foundation, and chimney for areas where wind and water can enter. Hurricane preparedness may include home repair and window and door replacement projects; there are expensive fixes and cost-effective retrofits. Keep in mind that by meeting or exceeding building code requirements, you are taking precautions to make your property storm-resistant. If uncertain about what needs attention, contact a qualified professional engineer or building inspector for an evaluation.
 The structural integrity and the covering of your roof are your first line of defense against hurricane damage. Check the roof covering for leaks and signs of deterioration. Replace broken or missing shingles and use roofing cement to secure loose shingles. The roof sheathing provides a structural barrier between the roof covering and your home's interior. A gap in the sheathing can become a gaping hole where water can enter your attic. Problems with sheathing are remedied by improving the anchorage of the sheathing to the rafters and trusses. The roof deck is the point at which the roof attaches to the attic. Ensure the deck is adequately fastened to its supports. By bracing roofing components and securing them to the attic, you increase the uplift resistance of the roof structure. A true wind-resistant home is built to hold the roof up and to hold the roof down.
The juncture of the roof framing and the stud walls presents a weak point that can be reinforced with hurricane straps. Connect the roof trusses to the walls and reinforce the connections of the walls to the floor. The goal is for the total weight of the house, including the floor, to be greater than the uplift forces of the wind. The walls and roof must be tied together, like a box, and be securely fastened to the foundation. This cumulative fastening pattern of roof-studs-floor-foundation is referred to as a "continuous load path."
Chimneys are vulnerable to wind because of their height and, since open at the top, can be an entry point for water. Reduce the risk of water entry by installing a chimney cap. Make sure the chimney is well anchored to the roof. Enlist a professional to inspect the strength of your chimney structure.
Windows and doors are vulnerable to wind pressure and, without protection, become magnets for windborne debris. A common misconception is to use masking tape to reinforce glass. This is ineffective; securing glass requires substantially stronger protection. The best defenses include impact-resistant windows and impact-resistant shutters. Wood panels may be used as a last resort.
A front door can separate from the hinges or door jamb during a hurricane. Simple remedies include a deadbolt, a top and bottom slide lock, or adding extra hinges and longer hinge screws. A garage door is a large, weak point and can become an entry for wind and rain. Hurricane-resistant doors and garage door retrofit kits are available.
Exterior walls should be well anchored to the foundation. Most foundations are made with concrete because concrete is durable, withstands wind, and does not retain moisture. If you have a basement, brace basement windows and doors and install flood shields or water barriers.
Chimneys are vulnerable to wind because of their height and, since open at the top, can be an entry point for water. Reduce the risk of water entry by installing a chimney cap. Make sure the chimney is well anchored to the roof. Enlist a professional to inspect the strength of your chimney structure.
Surrounding property can be a source of flying debris. If lawn furniture or a garden shed is not anchored, it can become airborne, crash through a window, and open the house to wind and rain damage. Hurricanes aren't selective; they will gather up and hurl out anything in their path.
The structural integrity of your home is only part of protecting your property. Water, in any quantity, can wreak havoc. A flood or slow trickle can destroy walls and ceilings and create a breeding ground for mold. Minimize the risk by installing ridge vents on the roof and by sealing cracks in your foundation and in any location where electrical wire, utility cable, or plumbing pipe enters or exits your home. Property owners should be aware of their flood risk and take necessary precautions, such as purchasing flood insurance. See your flood map at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.
 In addition to homes and businesses in coastal communities, all structures in close proximity to the water (i.e. beach stairs, piers, and docks) are susceptible to hurricane damage. As such, property owners should take steps to minimize risk to these outer structures. If you have a boat docked on a private pier or in a marina, it should be removed and placed on a trailer in a secure location above flood areas and away from your structure as boats, too, can become airborne debris. For a boat too large to trailer, your best bet is to move it to a safe haven well in advance of the storm. Marina managers are experienced professionals who can offer sound advice regarding securing your vessel.
Despite the best hurricane retrofit measures, no home is ever hurricane proof. FEMA advises homeowners to develop a communications plan, put together a hurricane kit, and stay informed of weather forecasts and local emergency plans. Have a full tank of gas in your vehicle(s) should authorities declare an evacuation. Designate a meeting place for family to gather once the storm has passed. Don't forget about pets; line up a friend in a secure area to care for pets.
If an evacuation is declared, follow instructions and only return to your property when it is safe to do so. At that time, take a cautious walk around your property. If you see serious structural damage, do not enter. Report downed power lines or gas leaks to local officials and keep electricity turned off if your property has been flooded. Protect your property from further damage by boarding up broken windows and doors.
With adequate preparation and a little luck, you, your family, and your property can persevere through a hurricane. When the time comes to repair or rebuild, contact a qualified professional engineer or home inspector for a property assessment. Use this opportunity to anchor, brace and strengthen your property against the effects of a future hurricane. Spending time and money to protect property is a worthwhile investment.
John A. Bologna, P.E.
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