How to Retrofit Your Older Central Florida Home for Hurricane Season

If your Central Florida home was built before 2000, it likely wasn’t constructed with modern hurricane-resistant standards in mind. But don't worry—smart upgrades can significantly strengthen your older home against storms. Here’s a practical guide to key improvements.

Strengthen Your Roof

Your roof is your home’s primary defense during hurricanes. Consider these upgrades:

• Hurricane Straps or Clips: Attach metal ties at each roof-to-wall connection to prevent roof uplift.

• Re-Nail Your Roof Deck: Replace staples or old nails with stronger, ring-shank nails for better resistance.

• Secondary Water Barrier: Add a waterproof membrane or sealed roof deck seams to stop water if shingles blow off.

• Gable-End Bracing: Reinforce triangular gable walls in the attic to prevent collapse.

  
  

Upgrade Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are vulnerable entry points for wind and rain:

• Impact-Resistant Windows: Install windows made of laminated glass that won't shatter upon impact.

• Hurricane Shutters: Use roll-down, accordion, or removable metal panels to protect your existing windows.

• Reinforced Doors: Install wind-rated entry doors, or reinforce existing ones with sturdy hinges and deadbolts.
  

Reinforce Your Garage Door

Garage doors can be weak points:

• Wind-Rated Garage Doors: Replace with modern reinforced garage doors that meet Florida building standards.

• Bracing Kits: Temporarily brace existing doors with vertical supports to prevent them from buckling under pressure.
  

Seal and Waterproof Your Home

Keeping water out is critical:

• Seal Gaps and Cracks: Check and re-caulk around doors, windows, and wall penetrations.

• Secure Soffits and Vents: Ensure soffits, gable vents, and roof penetrations are tightly sealed and reinforced.

• Garage Thresholds: Add weather-stripping or garage door threshold seals to keep water from entering.
  

Why Retrofit?

Retrofitting isn’t just about protecting property—it’s about ensuring safety and peace of mind. Homes updated with these improvements experience significantly less hurricane damage, reducing risks and potentially lowering insurance premiums.

Take proactive steps today to make your older home as hurricane-resistant as possible. Your home—and your family—will thank you when the storm hits.