The homes we remodel must be prepared for unexpected natural disasters. As residential professionals, we must ensure our customers’ sanctuaries withstand the tests of time and Mother Nature. When remodeling, we can implement various hardening techniques to reduce the risk of homes succumbing to damage from wildfires, hurricanes, floods and more.
Here are the top five home-hardening techniques to use on your next remodeling project:
1. Defensible Space Landscaping
Creating a landscape free of combustible materials is essential for protecting homes against multiple threats. Using fire-resistant vegetation or stone, replacing wood fencing with vinyl, and maintaining proper spacing between trees and shrubs create an effective defense perimeter. Proper landscaping also significantly improves drainage, mitigating the risk of flooding.
2. Fire-resistant Materials and Treatments
When a roof contains ignitable materials, has gaps between materials or has started to deteriorate, it creates significant vulnerability during fire events. To properly protect our customers’ homes from potential disasters, replacing these high-risk roofing systems during the remodeling process is essential.
Class A-rated roofing materials are not only fire-resistant but also durable and resistant to intense winds from hurricanes and impact from hail. Additionally, when installed with proper ice and water shields, they provide superior protection against leaks and snow damage.
For maximum protection in severe weather regions, upgrading to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing offers exceptional hail protection, significantly reducing the likelihood of damage during extreme weather events. This rating represents the highest level of impact resistance available for residential roofing materials.
One of the most effective yet often overlooked hardening techniques is the application of fire-retardant coatings. These products provide an invisible layer of protection for wooden surfaces while maintaining their natural appearance and beauty. Apply the coatings to existing wood structures, fabrics and other materials during remodeling projects. It’s particularly valuable for exposed wooden beams, decorative elements and historic structures where preserving the original appearance is crucial.
Combine fire-resistant structural materials with surface treatments for maximum protection as part of a comprehensive fire-prevention strategy.
3. Impact-resistant Windows
In contrast to typical single-pane windows with basic frames, impact-resistant windows are designed to endure severe high winds, flying debris and extreme weather conditions. These specialized windows feature laminated glass and reinforced frames, making them significantly less likely to break during storms. They’re also more energy-efficient, saving homeowners money on utility bills.
In areas prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, impact-resistant window replacement should be top of mind when discussing remodeling options with homeowners. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term savings are substantial: Replacing windows once rather than potentially every year during hurricane season represents significant value. More importantly, these windows prevent debris from entering the home, mitigating injuries during terrifying storm events.
4. Flood Barriers and Elevation
Flooding ranks among the most destructive natural disasters for homes and is typically a primary concern for homeowners regardless of location. In flood-prone areas, there’s an established expected flood level. Elevating a home above this threshold ensures water won’t penetrate the house and damage living spaces.
Installing flood barriers around the property perimeter adds another crucial layer of protection for the home and its inhabitants. These barriers can effectively redirect waterflow away from the structure and provide critical defense during severe weather events.
As industry professionals, we’ve all witnessed homes enduring heavy rain, rising waters, hurricanes and more. Incorporating flood-protection measures during a remodel can prevent expensive repairs and rebuilds that often follow these highly damaging conditions. Preventative measures ensure structural stability and provide invaluable peace of mind for homeowners.
5. Seismic Bracing and Structural Reinforcement
Although the previous hardening techniques benefit homes in any region, ensuring proper seismic bracing in earthquake-prone areas is arguably the most critical safety measure. Adding steel braces or structural reinforcements to the foundation ensures that an earthquake’s vibrations and catastrophic tremors don’t easily compromise a home’s integrity. The older the house, the more crucial this support becomes.
These added reinforcements dramatically reduce the risk of collapse that could trap homeowners in rubble during seismic events. In regions with higher earthquake risks, discussing the addition of seismic bracing during remodels isn’t just about property protection, it can be life-changing and, more importantly, life-saving.
People First
Regardless of where you live or your region’s specific risks, one thing is clear: Our communities must be resilient and ready for anything. As building professionals, our mission should be to prioritize the safety and comfort of the people we serve. By adopting these five hardening techniques in your remodeling projects, you can protect your clients and those around them. After all, it’s not just about the job; it’s about the people.
IMAGES: courtesy Chris Hock
