Hurricane season is ending, and it’s essential to evaluate any damage your home sustained during the storms.

Even if your house seems all right, you should look for dents, cracks or rust that you should care for sooner than later. These defects will lead to larger problems and decrease your home’s value.

Here are four projects you should complete after hurricane season ends.

1. Garage Door

One thing you’ll need to consider is your garage door. These are some of the most vulnerable exterior features to high winds, rain and debris.

If your door is dented or damaged after this hurricane season, it’s time to consider a replacement.

Three factors determine your garage door’s strength: gauge, mounting brackets and struts.

Gauge: Your door’s gauge is the thickness of its metal body. Manufacturers use tools to determine the thickness in inches or millimeters. The higher the gauge, the more weather-resistant your door will be.
Mounting brackets: Your mounting brackets attach your garage door to your home. They are typically metal. They can vary in quality, but the more you use to reinforce your door, the more likely it is to withstand harsh conditions.

Struts: Struts are horizontal mounting brackets that can prevent door panels from bowing and breaking when you put the door up or down. The sturdier the strut is, the more likely it is to continue reinforcing your door when hit by debris.

Thankfully, garage doors can be pretested for wind and impact. Buy an impact-rated model to ensure it will hold up next season.

2. Windows

Windows are among the most vulnerable parts of your exterior, with their glass much more fragile than most walls and doors. If you have thin or delicate windows, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace them once a hurricane hits.

You should have windows certified as impact-resistant to maintain their strength when hit by hurricane debris. These windows preserve your home and form extra barriers if you end up inside your home during a storm.

Different manufacturers make hurricane windows designed to survive these storms. You can find them in various styles and sizes.

3. Roof

Hurricane-force winds can severely damage your shingles, tiles and roof deck. You can sometimes repair these issues temporarily, but your roof will likely need replacing — especially if you’re hoping to sell your home.

Consulting a contractor is vital before making any major changes to your roof so you know the extent of the damage and how to proceed.

If you do replace your roof, you can support it from hurricanes by keeping up with regular maintenance to prevent loose shingles and rust. You can also install hurricane straps to help it hold up in a storm. Insurance companies sometimes give discounts for this.

4. Gutters

Your gutters keep moisture away from your home, making them a vital part of hurricane damage prevention.

If your gutter breaks during a storm, you’ll want to replace it swiftly. There are ways to strengthen it once you do. You can install barriers on your gutter to prevent debris from gathering inside. They also allow water to drain properly during the storm.

Another thing to consider is the security of your gutter hangers. A bracket and strap system is best for windy, temperate climates.

The material of your gutters also matters. The sturdier they are, the less likely they will face damage. Zinc and galvanized steel are your best options for a strong gutter.

Protecting Your Home From Future Hurricanes

It’s important to take the right measures to protect your home from damage if it’s at risk of tropical storms or hurricanes. Evaluating your home during the off-season lets you make repairs and maintain its value.