PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY

 

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOME’S OUTER SHELL


When the outer shell of a house is damaged, it becomes prone to sudden collapse. For example, if a door facing the wind blows in, the full force of the storm will hit the interior. Needing somewhere to go, the wind will then rip out windows, doors, walls or the roof. Even a small breach such as a roof tile bursting through a window, can have the same effect. Therefore pay special attention to all exterior openings.


Storms often get a finger into the house through the roof if it not secure. The wind begins to peel away the roofing material at the gable ends or eaves, exposing the edges of the roof sheathing. The sheathing then becomes damaged and the ceiling gets soaked and collapses, allowing wind and water inside. While the structure may survive, the interior and its contents will likely be destroyed.

 

For homes already built:

 

Building a home? Now’s the time to make it hurricane proof.

Terms to Know:

 

Installing Shingles

Most roofs in Cayman are covered with shingles and these can hold up well against high winds when properly installed. You should either use a certified contractor to do roof repairs when or read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully as there are many different brands of shingles that might have different ways of installation. For example, some brands of shingles have an adhesive strip that will give the shingles extra staying power. You should be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on whether to remove the protective piece of cellophane paper from the shingle before installing it. For some brands, failing to do so will undermine the shingles’ ability to stick, making them vulnerable in high winds. The heat of the sun activates the adhesive, but it needs time to cure.


Other things that will make shingle replacement easier are taking down the old shingles when it is cooler – in the mornings or early evening – and installing the new shingles when the sun is out, as shingles are more pliable when they are hot. A flat felt surface also makes installation easier. The US Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommends that asphalt shingles should be glued to the drip edges with roofing cement along the eaves and the gable ends. The exposure of shingles should also be reduced to four inches and the shingles should be attached with six nails instead of the usual four. Nails should be used instead of staples when installing shingles as overdriven staples can pass right through the shingles. All flashings should be cemented down and nailed on four-inch centres. When installing shingles pay special attention to type composition and spacing of nails; proper nailing patterns and overlapping of shingles. Remember that all roofing material will degrade over time making it more vulnerable to a storm as time passes.

SHUTTERING

Covering your windows and doors properly is one of the most important things to do when a storm is coming. The aim is to protect your house from wind and prevent flying objects crashing through the windows/doors into the building as this will not only allow rainwater into your home, but increases the chance of your roof blowing off. You can buy either ready-made shutters or plywood sheets. Remember though: No covering will compensate for a
poorly built house, or an unprotected garage.


EFFECTIVE PLYWOOD SHUTTERS:


Installing plywood covering:

Remember! When a hurricane warning is issued stores will quickly run out of plywood supplies. If you do not prepare beforehand, you might not be able to get any plywood on the day before a hurricane strike.

COMMERCIAL SHUTTERS

Listed below are the most popular types of commercial shutters with the advantages and disadvantages of each.

STORM PANELS:

These steel or aluminum shutters attach to the walls around windows and doors on bolts or tracks. The biggest problem with storm panels is that homeowners often don’t check them when they buy a home. Many discover later that panels are missing or were cut improperly, or are too heavy to install themselves.

Pros

Cons

 


ROLL-DOWN SHUTTERS:


These shutters attach above the window. They roll up and store in an enclosed box when not in use.

Pros

Cons

ACCORDIAN SHUTTERS:


These one- or two-piece shutters are housed beside the windows of doors when not in use.

Pros

 

Cons

COLONIAL SHUTTERS:


These are two-piece louvered shutters that attach to the wall beside each window

Pros

Cons

BAHAMA SHUTTERS:


These one-piece louvered shutters attach directly above the windows and prop open to provide shade for the window.

Pros

 

Cons

 

 

OTHER TYPES OF COMMERCIAL COVERINGS INCLUDE:

 

 

Return to What to do

Back to top


Bookmark this page with:(What's this?)