MIAMI Blog

Storm Damage? It might be time to check your insulation!

Here in Miami, we all know that hurricane season from June to November can be full of unpleasant surprises, something the Gulf coast of Florida already had to experience this year. Every storm means potential damages to our homes, especially to the roof. High winds, a falling tree or debris flying around can remove or tear shingles or put pressure on the roof which makes it more vulnerable to moisture intrusion and will lead to a whole lot of other problems, mildew and mold just being two of them.

If you feel your home has suffered the consequences of storm damage, it might be time to double-check your existing insulation or install new insulation. There are many ways how you can protect your home and your family from a hurricane this season and we’ve put together a list of tips:

Cover your windows

High wind speeds can cause debris to shatter windows with the shattered glass presenting a safety concern while also opening up your home to the dangerous environment outside. Without hurricane-tempered windows, the easiest and most affordable way to hurricane-proof your home is to install wooden boards like plywood in front of your windows to close them off to the outside. In some cases, your home might also have hurricane shutters which should of course be closed. If you do have hurricane-tempered windows like many buildings in Miami, you do not need to worry too much about your windows. Either way, disregard well-meant but bad advice like duct-taping your windows with an X or opening them a crack - they can both lead to dangerous situations of big glass pieces or other debris flying around your home. 

Strap down your roof

Roofs are often damaged in heavy storms; they are either partially or completely blown off. One way to secure and protect your roof uses hurricane straps to minimize the risk of your roof flying away with the wind. Hurricane straps are metal ties that keep your roof trusses attached to your house and your house most likely already has them - they’ve been required by Florida’s building code since hurricane Andrew in 1992. If you have never heard about hurricane straps, it might be time to have a professional come out to your home to have a look.

Trim your trees

During heavy storms, fallen trees are not an unusual sight but they can cause major damage to your home, vehicle or your family. Especially during hurricane season, you should schedule regular tree maintenance and trim trees and bushes so more vulnerable parts are cut. If there’s a particular tree that worries you, it might be time to have it removed.  

Get attic insulation

Insulation, but especially closed-cell spray foam, has many properties that can protect your home from storm damage. The initial liquid spray foam expands and hardens into a very dense and rigid state which acts as a kind of glue that strengthens the surface it is applied to by up to 300%. That means, the structural integrity of your roof and walls is stronger with spray foam and more likely to stay intact during a hurricane. The high quality insulation material has also been rated as a highly acceptable flood-resistant material by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which means that it is able to withstand direct contact with flood water for an extended period of up to 72 hours. Closed-cell spray foam will therefore not absorb but actually reject water from storm surges or heavy rains for a good time, not letting them into your home through the insulated areas while also staying fully intact afterwards as energy-saving insulation. 

Contact us today to get a free in-home insulation evaluation to see if your home has suffered the consequences of storm damage to your insulation or to evaluate if your home could benefit from insulation this hurricane season and all year long.