Severe weather season makes it even more important to make home repairs and renovations to lessen the impact and damage costs from high winds and other aliments.

Severe thunderstorms, wind and hail can do damage to house exterior surfaces, drive in rain, break windows and damage roofs. Straight winds, or downbursts, with winds of 58 mph or greater, can cause significant damage to well-constructed homes and remove roofs from structures.

Winds in Nebraska can reach hurricane category levels with at least one wind speed recording in Nebraska at 114 mph. As a comparison, hurricane category one wind speeds are at 74-95 mph and category two at 96-110 mph.

Vertical winds associated with tornadoes can be strong enough to temporarily levitate heavy objects, such as roofs and even homes. Although damage to homes from disasters can't be completely prevented, it can be reduced.

Changes in materials can help reduce damage to homes from wind and thunderstorms. Some insurance companies may even provide reduced insurance costs when certain types of disaster resistant materials are used. For example, some metal shingles and roof types are more resistant to hail and fire.

Install impact-resistant windows that have a better chance of surviving a windstorm and hail. Also, larger eave overhangs may protect windows from hail, high winds, falling objects or trees.

According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), doors should have at least three hinges and a dead bolt security lock with a bolt at least one inch long. Door frames should be anchored securely to wall framing and sliding glass doors should be installed with impact-resistant doors made of laminated glass, plastic glazing or a combination of plastic and glass.

If replacing a roof, make sure both the new roof covering and the sheathing it attaches to will resist high winds, hail, and wind-driven water. Old coverings should be removed down to the bare wood sheathing. Inspect the sheathing for needed repairs and how well it is anchored to the roof structures. Add screws and additional fasteners or nails to secure the sheathing. In tests, a few nails through sheathing that miss the trusses can expose the home’s interior of the home to major damage if the sheathing is caught and lifted by winds.

Install a roof covering designed to resist high winds, and shingles that are more resistant to hail like some types of metal shingles. Modified asphalt shingles also are likely to perform well in hailstorms. Ask about hail impact tests, wind-driven rain, wind resistance and compare various shingles.

Seal roof sheathing joints with self-stick rubberized asphalt tape to provide a secondary moisture barrier. If the roof sheathing needs added protection, glue the sheathing to the rafters and the trusses. The addition of hurricane clips can make roof structures more secure.

Points where the roof and the foundation meet the walls of the house also are very important in resisting high winds and the pressure put on the entire structure. Make sure the walls are properly anchored to the foundation.

IBHS also recommends anchoring the roof to the walls with metal clips and straps. Make certain the upper story wall framing is solidly connected to the lower framing in multi-story homes. A construction engineer or architect can help to determine if joints need retrofitting. Securing or bolting the house sill plates to the foundation and the roof to the wall also may result in less wind damage and may help lessen peripheral damage from nearby tornadoes.

Garage doors are highly vulnerable to wind damage, especially garage doors more than eight feet wide. Permanent wood or metal stiffeners can be installed. IBHS suggests contacting the door's manufacturer for recommendations about temporary center supports that can be attached when severe weather threatens and then removed easily.

Wind breaks also are important to direct wind currents and buffer winds. Weak trees and limbs that may damage the home if hit by high winds should be removed. Remove trash and objects from around your yard or home that could become wind borne or secure them to the ground.

Finally, review your homeowners or renters insurance with your agent to clarify what is and is not covered such as mold following a rain and wind incident or tornado.

(This resource was added April 23, 2006 and appeared in the Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper Sunday edition. For information on reproducing this article or using any photographs or graphics, read the Terms of Use statement)

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