Though they look relatively simple in construction, garage doors actually have many components, especially if they’re hooked up to an electric opener.Because of this level of complexity—and the fact that a garage door must stand up against harsh weather—a garage door may suffer from any of several problems.
The most common problem is that the door becomes difficult to lift and lower. This may be something that can be resolved with a few simple adjustments and basic maintenance, or it may be more serious. If the door is connected to an electric opener, the first clue is to disconnect opener mechanism from the door by pulling the release cord or lever. If the door works fine manually, the problem is with the electric opener; in this case, consult your owner’s manual or call a garage door opener repair pro.
If you have a wood door, be sure to keep it properly painted or stained, both outside and inside. If you finish only the outside of a garage door, the door may warp and the moisture will subvert the paint, causing it to peel. Manufacturers of wood doors recommend you initially paint both the inside and outside and repaint the exterior surface every year or two.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is a new website that features the next generation of Garage Doors For Florida homeowners. Your garage door is one of the major architectural features of your house. Selecting the right garage door in Florida is important not only for curb appeal but also because our weather can cause wooden garage doors to rot, warp or need constant repainting and maintenance. Garage Door Florida features a line-up of beautifully crafted composite eco-friendly garage doors from Eden Coast LLC. They are each custom built to homeowners needs and manufactured with to reduce your impact on the environment. For more information or to locate a dealer in Jacksonville please visit GarageDoorFlorida.com
A door that seems unusually heavy to lift may have a problem with spring tension. Garage door springs are under extreme tension because of the loads they must lift, and this makes them dangerous to adjust. If your door’s springs are out of adjustment, do not attempt to work on them yourself. Call a qualified garage door company
Saturday, August 7, 2010
In Florida Garage Doors Key Part Of Green Homes
By Jessica Simpson
Amidst the hoopla of the BP oil drilling incident, eyes are starting to open wider in terms of what activists and organizations have long protested in an effort to clean up the environment and live a greener lifestyle for the sake of the earth and our future.
From simple household recycling to hybrid vehicles, it seems as if more global companies are joining the cause, and in this case, garage door manufacturers are now doing their part by offering homeowners eco-friendly garage doors. Green garage doors are becoming more in-demand as homeowners and manufacturers alike are looking for new ways to contribute their efforts in sustaining a preserving lifestyle.
I'm the furthest thing from being a hippie and I don't spend my free time hugging trees, but in this day and age, I'm simply interested in the quality of life. Would I have ever have thought that I'd be interested in the benefits of a green garage door? Absolutely not! But rather than looking at this from a "save the world" perspective, let me take a look at it from a "save some money" perspective.
Did you know that composite polymer doors are more energy efficient than real wood doors? In other words, you could be saving yourself a couple of hundred dollars a year on your electric bill. Did you also know that the construction materials used on eco-friendly doors is UV and moisture resistant? Therefore the door won't rot or crack, thus saving you the cost of refurbishing or replacing it.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is a new website that features the next generation of Garage Doors For Florida homeowners. Your garage door is one of the major architectural features of your house. Selecting the right garage door in Florida is important not only for curb appeal but also because our weather can cause wooden garage doors to rot, warp or need constant repainting and maintenance. Garage Door Florida features a line-up of beautifully crafted composite eco-friendly garage doors from Eden Coast LLC. They are each custom built to homeowners needs and manufactured with to reduce your impact on the environment. For more information or to locate a dealer in Jacksonville please visit GarageDoorFlorida.com
Most people don't get involved using the overly common excuse, "I don't know how". With this comprehensive list, everyone can join in in doing their part in making a greener environment, and best of all, it starts in the comfort of your own home. Other than joining a crusade in saving the world, you can still selfishly claim that you are more interested in saving money and future aggravation caused by repairs. Whatever your reason is, the information is worth a look. And your involvement helps make the movement stronger!
Jessica "Jess" Simpson is a proud product of the Chi-Town Windy City. Never to be mistaken for the celebrity Jessica Simpson, Jess actually brushes her teeth and the furthest thing from an air-head. A graduate from Colombia University, currently working as a brand manager for Precision Door of Chicago, with aspiration of starting her own online marketing company.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_P_Simpson
Amidst the hoopla of the BP oil drilling incident, eyes are starting to open wider in terms of what activists and organizations have long protested in an effort to clean up the environment and live a greener lifestyle for the sake of the earth and our future.
From simple household recycling to hybrid vehicles, it seems as if more global companies are joining the cause, and in this case, garage door manufacturers are now doing their part by offering homeowners eco-friendly garage doors. Green garage doors are becoming more in-demand as homeowners and manufacturers alike are looking for new ways to contribute their efforts in sustaining a preserving lifestyle.
I'm the furthest thing from being a hippie and I don't spend my free time hugging trees, but in this day and age, I'm simply interested in the quality of life. Would I have ever have thought that I'd be interested in the benefits of a green garage door? Absolutely not! But rather than looking at this from a "save the world" perspective, let me take a look at it from a "save some money" perspective.
Did you know that composite polymer doors are more energy efficient than real wood doors? In other words, you could be saving yourself a couple of hundred dollars a year on your electric bill. Did you also know that the construction materials used on eco-friendly doors is UV and moisture resistant? Therefore the door won't rot or crack, thus saving you the cost of refurbishing or replacing it.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is a new website that features the next generation of Garage Doors For Florida homeowners. Your garage door is one of the major architectural features of your house. Selecting the right garage door in Florida is important not only for curb appeal but also because our weather can cause wooden garage doors to rot, warp or need constant repainting and maintenance. Garage Door Florida features a line-up of beautifully crafted composite eco-friendly garage doors from Eden Coast LLC. They are each custom built to homeowners needs and manufactured with to reduce your impact on the environment. For more information or to locate a dealer in Jacksonville please visit GarageDoorFlorida.com
Most people don't get involved using the overly common excuse, "I don't know how". With this comprehensive list, everyone can join in in doing their part in making a greener environment, and best of all, it starts in the comfort of your own home. Other than joining a crusade in saving the world, you can still selfishly claim that you are more interested in saving money and future aggravation caused by repairs. Whatever your reason is, the information is worth a look. And your involvement helps make the movement stronger!
Jessica "Jess" Simpson is a proud product of the Chi-Town Windy City. Never to be mistaken for the celebrity Jessica Simpson, Jess actually brushes her teeth and the furthest thing from an air-head. A graduate from Colombia University, currently working as a brand manager for Precision Door of Chicago, with aspiration of starting her own online marketing company.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_P_Simpson
Garage Important Consideration in Green Home
By Libby Huffman
Of all the steps you take to get green around the house, have you thought about the impact your garage has on the environment? Besides parking an electric/gas hybrid in the space, there are other things you could be doing to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are a few tips for remaining eco-minded in that junk filled room you call a garage:
Clean is Green
It’s important to clear the entire garage out in order to begin to put the pieces of the puzzle back together. Clean out old boxes, drawers, tools and equipment you’ve got lying around. Next, get rid of all of your harmful chemicals. When dealing with household cleaners, most of them can simply be thrown away whereas items like paint and oil have a special mode of disposal. For paint, you can drop it off your local hardware store and they will use an environmentally friendly method of disposal. For used oil, it's as simple as dropping it off at your mechanics to get rid of it. Then, you'll want to purchase eco-friendly, all natural cleaners that are non-toxic to you and the Earth.Note: Never pour any type of chemicals down the drain. When in doubt, consult the label for instructions on proper disposal.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is a new website that features the next generation of Garage Doors For Florida homeowners. Your garage door is one of the major architectural features of your house. Selecting the right garage door in Florida is important not only for curb appeal but also because our weather can cause wooden garage doors to rot, warp or need constant repainting and maintenance. Garage Door Florida features a line-up of beautifully crafted composite eco-friendly garage doors from Eden Coast LLC. They are each custom built to homeowners needs and manufactured with to reduce your impact on the environment. For more information or to locate a dealer in Jacksonville please visit GarageDoorFlorida.com
Get Eco-Organized
It’s not enough to simply clean out the garage if you just throw all your junk right back in it. You’ll need to purchase or reuse some economical and ecological tools to put your things in order. Old glass jars are great for keeping small things like nails and thumb tacks neatly tucked away. You might even consider building your own containers and boxes out of recycled materials. The ideal organizers will be durable and keep things close at hand. Using bamboo to build your containers will help to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and it’s incredibly durable and flexible.
Stay Away From the Rake
Sounds like a dream come true right? Unfortunately, this isn’t your excuse for not doing yard work. This simply means that the tools you’ve been using are probably not safe for the environment. It’s actually not the garden tools themselves but their manufacturers that are doing their part to destroy our planet. Each factory using PVC materials emits harmful toxins into the air when producing these tools and even more when destroying them. Slow the production down by refusing to purchase their products. To be safe, use steel or metal tools.
Many other manufacturers use materials that are not safe for the environment as well. Even something as seemingly benign as garage cabinets can emit harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. Some companies are better than others in their emissions standards so be sure to shop around for an eco-conscious corporation before installing those cabinets.
Reduce Your Waste
Working in the garage can be a dirty job. While it’s tempting to use paper towels or other disposable cleaning materials, it’s just not ideal. More trash means less renewable resources and overflowing landfills; both are huge problems. Try to use micro fiber towels for your messes or other cloth towels that can be washed rather than thrown away.
As the green movement gains momentum, it’s important to stay abreast of the issues. Learning ways to become eco in every facet of life is each of our responsibilities. With a little diligence we can all make sure we’re doing our best to keep up with the demands of our planet. After all, every part of our lives makes an impact including the garage.
© 2009 Libby Huffman
Read more at Suite101: Greening Your Garage: How to Make the Garage More Environmentally Friendly http://greenliving.suite101.com/article.cfm/greening_your_garage#ixzz0vNXL7lts
Of all the steps you take to get green around the house, have you thought about the impact your garage has on the environment? Besides parking an electric/gas hybrid in the space, there are other things you could be doing to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are a few tips for remaining eco-minded in that junk filled room you call a garage:
Clean is Green
It’s important to clear the entire garage out in order to begin to put the pieces of the puzzle back together. Clean out old boxes, drawers, tools and equipment you’ve got lying around. Next, get rid of all of your harmful chemicals. When dealing with household cleaners, most of them can simply be thrown away whereas items like paint and oil have a special mode of disposal. For paint, you can drop it off your local hardware store and they will use an environmentally friendly method of disposal. For used oil, it's as simple as dropping it off at your mechanics to get rid of it. Then, you'll want to purchase eco-friendly, all natural cleaners that are non-toxic to you and the Earth.Note: Never pour any type of chemicals down the drain. When in doubt, consult the label for instructions on proper disposal.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is a new website that features the next generation of Garage Doors For Florida homeowners. Your garage door is one of the major architectural features of your house. Selecting the right garage door in Florida is important not only for curb appeal but also because our weather can cause wooden garage doors to rot, warp or need constant repainting and maintenance. Garage Door Florida features a line-up of beautifully crafted composite eco-friendly garage doors from Eden Coast LLC. They are each custom built to homeowners needs and manufactured with to reduce your impact on the environment. For more information or to locate a dealer in Jacksonville please visit GarageDoorFlorida.com
Get Eco-Organized
It’s not enough to simply clean out the garage if you just throw all your junk right back in it. You’ll need to purchase or reuse some economical and ecological tools to put your things in order. Old glass jars are great for keeping small things like nails and thumb tacks neatly tucked away. You might even consider building your own containers and boxes out of recycled materials. The ideal organizers will be durable and keep things close at hand. Using bamboo to build your containers will help to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and it’s incredibly durable and flexible.
Stay Away From the Rake
Sounds like a dream come true right? Unfortunately, this isn’t your excuse for not doing yard work. This simply means that the tools you’ve been using are probably not safe for the environment. It’s actually not the garden tools themselves but their manufacturers that are doing their part to destroy our planet. Each factory using PVC materials emits harmful toxins into the air when producing these tools and even more when destroying them. Slow the production down by refusing to purchase their products. To be safe, use steel or metal tools.
Many other manufacturers use materials that are not safe for the environment as well. Even something as seemingly benign as garage cabinets can emit harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. Some companies are better than others in their emissions standards so be sure to shop around for an eco-conscious corporation before installing those cabinets.
Reduce Your Waste
Working in the garage can be a dirty job. While it’s tempting to use paper towels or other disposable cleaning materials, it’s just not ideal. More trash means less renewable resources and overflowing landfills; both are huge problems. Try to use micro fiber towels for your messes or other cloth towels that can be washed rather than thrown away.
As the green movement gains momentum, it’s important to stay abreast of the issues. Learning ways to become eco in every facet of life is each of our responsibilities. With a little diligence we can all make sure we’re doing our best to keep up with the demands of our planet. After all, every part of our lives makes an impact including the garage.
© 2009 Libby Huffman
Read more at Suite101: Greening Your Garage: How to Make the Garage More Environmentally Friendly http://greenliving.suite101.com/article.cfm/greening_your_garage#ixzz0vNXL7lts
Friday, July 9, 2010
HomeBuilders Turn To Green Builders
Home builders are increasingly looking for affordable green materials as demand for traditional construction materials declines in favor of more environmentally friendly offerings, according to a report in the Daily Journal of Commerce.
Home builders are increasingly looking for affordable green materials as demand for traditional construction materials declines in favor of more environmentally friendly offerings, according to a report in the Daily Journal of Commerce.
According to the report, companies like The Collins Cos, a wood products producer, have seen demand for conventional wood products fall as the green-building movement has expanded. Now, companies are looking to researchers to help them develop new environmentally responsible adhesives, plastics, and wood products. The article quoted on Collins executive as saying that the company’s green product line now accounts for 20 – 25 percent of revenues in a market that is increasingly being driven by a desire to adhere to LEED certification standards.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is an educational website for homeowners and consumers who are considering purchasing a new garage door. The Garage Door Florida website provides information on Eden Coast Custom Garage Doors which are crafted from composite materials and color matched to your home.There are many advantages to a Garage Door in Florida that looks great and will not need nearly the amount of maintenance a wooden garage door would need. For more information on how your home can have an Eden Coast Garage Door please visit the website Garage Door Florida.
The article cited Columbia Forest Products, which recently adopted a new soy-based adhesive to replace its urea-formaldehyde-based adhesive it had been using previously. The switch did not increase Columbia’s sourcing costs, but the Collins Cos says they haven’t been able to make the same switch, since the soy-based adhesive doesn’t work with its particle board products.
However, the higher cost of green materials over traditional materials is still an issue for businesses as they look for ways to remain competitive on a cost basis, according to the report. To address the problem, the Oregon Green Chemistry Advisory Group is looking to fund a new research hub to focus on the development of environmentally friendly chemicals and materials. The Group also contributed to a report calling for closer collaboration between researchers and industry in an effort to spur further innovation in the green materials sector.
From 2010 to 2015, the total US green building market value is projected to increase from $71.1 billion to $173.5 billion, according to the latest issue of EL Insights. Developers in Sacramento are using sustainability and environmental certifications such as the Energy Star Label and LEED standards as a key marketing tool to attract tenants, while Lennar and KB Home, two prominent national home builders, have launched energy and water-efficient home lines that they are marketing as “green.”
Home builders are increasingly looking for affordable green materials as demand for traditional construction materials declines in favor of more environmentally friendly offerings, according to a report in the Daily Journal of Commerce.
According to the report, companies like The Collins Cos, a wood products producer, have seen demand for conventional wood products fall as the green-building movement has expanded. Now, companies are looking to researchers to help them develop new environmentally responsible adhesives, plastics, and wood products. The article quoted on Collins executive as saying that the company’s green product line now accounts for 20 – 25 percent of revenues in a market that is increasingly being driven by a desire to adhere to LEED certification standards.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is an educational website for homeowners and consumers who are considering purchasing a new garage door. The Garage Door Florida website provides information on Eden Coast Custom Garage Doors which are crafted from composite materials and color matched to your home.There are many advantages to a Garage Door in Florida that looks great and will not need nearly the amount of maintenance a wooden garage door would need. For more information on how your home can have an Eden Coast Garage Door please visit the website Garage Door Florida.
The article cited Columbia Forest Products, which recently adopted a new soy-based adhesive to replace its urea-formaldehyde-based adhesive it had been using previously. The switch did not increase Columbia’s sourcing costs, but the Collins Cos says they haven’t been able to make the same switch, since the soy-based adhesive doesn’t work with its particle board products.
However, the higher cost of green materials over traditional materials is still an issue for businesses as they look for ways to remain competitive on a cost basis, according to the report. To address the problem, the Oregon Green Chemistry Advisory Group is looking to fund a new research hub to focus on the development of environmentally friendly chemicals and materials. The Group also contributed to a report calling for closer collaboration between researchers and industry in an effort to spur further innovation in the green materials sector.
From 2010 to 2015, the total US green building market value is projected to increase from $71.1 billion to $173.5 billion, according to the latest issue of EL Insights. Developers in Sacramento are using sustainability and environmental certifications such as the Energy Star Label and LEED standards as a key marketing tool to attract tenants, while Lennar and KB Home, two prominent national home builders, have launched energy and water-efficient home lines that they are marketing as “green.”
Thursday, July 8, 2010
According to the latest poll conducted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) on its Web site, the majority (56%) of homeowners cite functionality as their largest concern when it comes to their home.
“The functionality of a home is very important, especially over the long term, as many homeowners in this economy have opted for remodeling over moving to new homes,” says NARI National President Paul Zuch, CR, president of Capital Improvements.
Functionality of the home generally starts with good design. Remodelers can help homeowners take special care to look for the missing details in any home design—from the location of the electrical outlets to the location of light switches.
To address concerns, homeowners should think about how they intend to use the space in the future. Young families with small kids may use the space differently than empty-nesters. Multi-generational households oftentimes require universal design principles to be incorporated to increase the accessibility for everyone who lives in the home. NARI remodelers have the ability to tap into the special needs of their clients and incorporate them into the design.
“It’s all about personalization—homeowners want to know that their space can be converted easily into a difference space in the future,” Zuch says. “As children age and move out, they want to be able to make that space their own.”
When planning a remodel, here are a couple details you may want to think about:
* Where you want electrical outlets, telephone jacks and cable hook ups.
* What type of lighting is required—perhaps you’ll want to add a skylight or recessed lighting.
* Blending the design of new living space into existing living space.
* Your current and future storage needs.
* Universal features to accommodate the needs of a broader range of people throughout their lifetimes.
These details will enable your remodeling contractor to help implement a design that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Consulting with a professional will provide you with ideas to increase convenience, time and money-saving hints for your particular project.
“The functionality of a home is very important, especially over the long term, as many homeowners in this economy have opted for remodeling over moving to new homes,” says NARI National President Paul Zuch, CR, president of Capital Improvements.
Functionality of the home generally starts with good design. Remodelers can help homeowners take special care to look for the missing details in any home design—from the location of the electrical outlets to the location of light switches.
To address concerns, homeowners should think about how they intend to use the space in the future. Young families with small kids may use the space differently than empty-nesters. Multi-generational households oftentimes require universal design principles to be incorporated to increase the accessibility for everyone who lives in the home. NARI remodelers have the ability to tap into the special needs of their clients and incorporate them into the design.
“It’s all about personalization—homeowners want to know that their space can be converted easily into a difference space in the future,” Zuch says. “As children age and move out, they want to be able to make that space their own.”
When planning a remodel, here are a couple details you may want to think about:
* Where you want electrical outlets, telephone jacks and cable hook ups.
* What type of lighting is required—perhaps you’ll want to add a skylight or recessed lighting.
* Blending the design of new living space into existing living space.
* Your current and future storage needs.
* Universal features to accommodate the needs of a broader range of people throughout their lifetimes.
These details will enable your remodeling contractor to help implement a design that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Consulting with a professional will provide you with ideas to increase convenience, time and money-saving hints for your particular project.
Storm Smart CEO wins Corporate Leader Award
Brian Rist, owner and CEO of Storm Smart Industries was recently awarded the Corporate Leadership Award, 2010! Rist was elected by several different Emergency Management chapters and was chosen for the award by the 24th Annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference committee.
“Storm Smart has always been here for emergency management and supports us in our seminars and with the publication of our All Hazzards Guide. We are grateful for that!” said Wayne Sallade, Emergency Management for Charlotte County and nominator for Brian Rist.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is an educational website for homeowners and consumers who are considering purchasing a new garage door. The Garage Door Florida website provides information on Eden Coast Custom Garage Doors which are crafted from composite materials and color matched to your home.There are many advantages to a Garage Door in Florida that looks great and will not need nearly the amount of maintenance a wooden garage door would need. For more information on how your home can have an Eden Coast Garage Door please visit the website Garage Door Florida.
The award ceremony will took place on May 23- 28th, 2010 in Greater Fort Lauderdale at the Broward County Convention Center. Brian received the award from Governor Charlie Crist. “I am so proud to have achieved this award, I really feel like Emergency Management does a lot for Southwest Florida and I want to give back to them by helping in any way we can.” commented Brian Rist.
Storm Smart Industries has been an active participant with Emergency Management for 15 years and as well as with the Governors Hurricane Conference.The Governor’s Hurricane Conference is an event where emergency managers and personnel, first responders, state, federal, volunteer agency, business and industry representatives, along with health and medical professionals from around the state, nation and world as they come together to train and learn from each other during the week’s many activities.
Storm Smart Industries is the largest and most innovative hurricane protection company in Ft. Myers, Florida.
“Storm Smart has always been here for emergency management and supports us in our seminars and with the publication of our All Hazzards Guide. We are grateful for that!” said Wayne Sallade, Emergency Management for Charlotte County and nominator for Brian Rist.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is an educational website for homeowners and consumers who are considering purchasing a new garage door. The Garage Door Florida website provides information on Eden Coast Custom Garage Doors which are crafted from composite materials and color matched to your home.There are many advantages to a Garage Door in Florida that looks great and will not need nearly the amount of maintenance a wooden garage door would need. For more information on how your home can have an Eden Coast Garage Door please visit the website Garage Door Florida.
The award ceremony will took place on May 23- 28th, 2010 in Greater Fort Lauderdale at the Broward County Convention Center. Brian received the award from Governor Charlie Crist. “I am so proud to have achieved this award, I really feel like Emergency Management does a lot for Southwest Florida and I want to give back to them by helping in any way we can.” commented Brian Rist.
Storm Smart Industries has been an active participant with Emergency Management for 15 years and as well as with the Governors Hurricane Conference.The Governor’s Hurricane Conference is an event where emergency managers and personnel, first responders, state, federal, volunteer agency, business and industry representatives, along with health and medical professionals from around the state, nation and world as they come together to train and learn from each other during the week’s many activities.
Storm Smart Industries is the largest and most innovative hurricane protection company in Ft. Myers, Florida.
How to Guard Your Home Against a Hurricane
From the Florida Home Builder Website
f you want to safeguard your home from the devastating winds and rain of a hurricane, there are steps you can take now, long before a storm is on the horizon.
Some of these preparations you can do yourself. Others require the expertise of an experienced contractor. For the name of a reputable contractor in your area, contact the Local Home Builders Association in your area or call the National Association of Home Builders Remodelors Council at 800-368-5242.
The Roof System
Install hurricane straps or clips to the inside of your roof. This must be done by a roofing contractor when your roof is being replaced since it requires access to the inside of the roof underneath the sheathing. These straps/clips should be placed where the roof truss adjoins the exterior wall.
When the trusses are exposed, check to make sure that they are properly fastened. Fasteners include nails and staples. If the fasteners have missed the truss, the roof is weakened. You may want to add nails if they are scarce or if many have missed the top cord of the roof.
If you have a gable-end roof, make sure it is properly braced at the ends. This can be done at any time. Attach 2x4s or 2x6s to the gable end perpendicular to the truss system. Use screws, not nails, to attach the braces. Also, install steel angles to the gable end bracing to reinforce the gable ends.
Exterior Openings
Windows, French doors and sliding doors must be protected either by hurricane shutters or by an impact-resistant glazing such as laminated glass. Shuttering can be done with 5/8 inch plywood or metal storm panels. To save time before a hurricane, install the anchors or brackets now and store the shutters. Pre-cut plywood pieces should be mounted overlapping windows on all sides by four inches so that the shutters are attached to the frame underneath the exterior surface. Use anchors and wood screws to attach the anchors to siding or lag bolts for masonry.
Double garage doors are another weak point that needs to be reinforced. This can be done at anytime; the bracing can remain on the doors year round. Install cross bracing or girts horizontally across the door. Use six to eight 2x4s or steel girts.
Also, reinforce the track of the garage door with heavier gauge metal and anchor it to the frame with long screws.
Check with the manufacturer of your garage door to see if a strengthening package for is available.
Double-entry doors are another frail spot. Check the inactive door and make sure it's secured to the header and threshold; if not, add reinforcing pins to the top and bottom of the door. Also, add heavier hinges and more secure locks.
Fences and Porches
If you're putting up fencing, leave spaces at the bottom instead of driving every panel into the ground to allow air to go under the fence, rather than knocking it down.
Porches normally have weak roofs. Make sure the roof is bolted to the exterior wall of the house. Also, attach porch flooring firmly to the house.
By the time weather forecasters knew that Hurricane Andrew was going to strike South Florida, homeowners had little time to prepare their homes. Those who tried to buy plywood for shuttering windows a day or two before the storm found supplies completely depleted. By taking these precautions now, you'll save time, heart ache and money if a hurricane hits your area.
f you want to safeguard your home from the devastating winds and rain of a hurricane, there are steps you can take now, long before a storm is on the horizon.
Some of these preparations you can do yourself. Others require the expertise of an experienced contractor. For the name of a reputable contractor in your area, contact the Local Home Builders Association in your area or call the National Association of Home Builders Remodelors Council at 800-368-5242.
The Roof System
Install hurricane straps or clips to the inside of your roof. This must be done by a roofing contractor when your roof is being replaced since it requires access to the inside of the roof underneath the sheathing. These straps/clips should be placed where the roof truss adjoins the exterior wall.
When the trusses are exposed, check to make sure that they are properly fastened. Fasteners include nails and staples. If the fasteners have missed the truss, the roof is weakened. You may want to add nails if they are scarce or if many have missed the top cord of the roof.
If you have a gable-end roof, make sure it is properly braced at the ends. This can be done at any time. Attach 2x4s or 2x6s to the gable end perpendicular to the truss system. Use screws, not nails, to attach the braces. Also, install steel angles to the gable end bracing to reinforce the gable ends.
Exterior Openings
Windows, French doors and sliding doors must be protected either by hurricane shutters or by an impact-resistant glazing such as laminated glass. Shuttering can be done with 5/8 inch plywood or metal storm panels. To save time before a hurricane, install the anchors or brackets now and store the shutters. Pre-cut plywood pieces should be mounted overlapping windows on all sides by four inches so that the shutters are attached to the frame underneath the exterior surface. Use anchors and wood screws to attach the anchors to siding or lag bolts for masonry.
Double garage doors are another weak point that needs to be reinforced. This can be done at anytime; the bracing can remain on the doors year round. Install cross bracing or girts horizontally across the door. Use six to eight 2x4s or steel girts.
Also, reinforce the track of the garage door with heavier gauge metal and anchor it to the frame with long screws.
Check with the manufacturer of your garage door to see if a strengthening package for is available.
Double-entry doors are another frail spot. Check the inactive door and make sure it's secured to the header and threshold; if not, add reinforcing pins to the top and bottom of the door. Also, add heavier hinges and more secure locks.
Fences and Porches
If you're putting up fencing, leave spaces at the bottom instead of driving every panel into the ground to allow air to go under the fence, rather than knocking it down.
Porches normally have weak roofs. Make sure the roof is bolted to the exterior wall of the house. Also, attach porch flooring firmly to the house.
By the time weather forecasters knew that Hurricane Andrew was going to strike South Florida, homeowners had little time to prepare their homes. Those who tried to buy plywood for shuttering windows a day or two before the storm found supplies completely depleted. By taking these precautions now, you'll save time, heart ache and money if a hurricane hits your area.
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