As Hurricane Ian rapidly gains strength and tracks toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, homeowners are understandably anxious about the storm’s potential impacts. While forecasts suggest Ian could become a dangerous Category 4 hurricane, one of the most significant concerns is how sliding doors will hold up against winds exceeding 150 mph in some areas. Sliding doors are often overlooked as a potential point of failure during hurricanes, yet a blowing-in door can quickly turn a home or building into an unlivable disaster zone.
In this post, I will share some practical and affordable tips on how to protect sliding doors from hurricane so homeowners can implement right now to brace their sliding doors and help keep high-velocity winds and windborne debris out as Ian approaches. Strengthening these often vulnerable entry points can help put homeowners’ minds at ease so they can better focus on the critical preparations ahead.
Necessary Items
To protect your sliding doors from a hurricane, you will need the following items:
- Hurricane shutters or plywood panels
- High-impact resistant glass for new construction or replacement windows and doors
- Anchoring devices such as straps, brackets, and clips
- Caulking gun and waterproof sealant
- Reinforcement bars
- Sandbags
10 Steps on How to Protect Sliding Doors From Hurricane
Step 1: Install Hurricane Shutters or Plywood Panels
The best way to protect your sliding doors from a hurricane is to cover them with heavy-duty shutters or plywood panels. These protective barriers are designed to withstand strong winds and windborne debris, providing an extra layer of defense for your home. If you already have hurricane shutters installed, check and maintain them regularly to ensure they are in good condition and can be easily deployed when needed.
Step 2: Reinforce Existing Doors With High-Impact Resistant Glass
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, consider upgrading your existing sliding doors with high-impact-resistant glass. This type of glass is designed to withstand high winds and debris, making it a valuable investment in protecting your home during a hurricane. It is also a great long-term solution as it can provide energy efficiency and noise reduction benefits.
Step 3: Use Anchoring Devices
Use anchoring devices such as straps, brackets, and clips to keep your sliding doors securely in place during a hurricane. These can be attached to the door frame and surrounding structure to provide additional support and prevent the doors from blowing in or out.
Step 4: Seal any Gaps with Waterproof Sealant
Before a hurricane hits, inspect your sliding doors for gaps or cracks that may allow water or wind to enter your home. Use a caulking gun and waterproof sealant to seal these gaps and prevent any potential water damage.
Step 5: Reinforce the Doors with Metal Bars
For added protection, consider reinforcing your sliding doors with metal bars. These can be attached to the inside of the door frame to provide extra strength and stability against high winds.
Step 6: Secure Sliding Doors When Not in Use
When a hurricane is approaching, it is essential to secure your sliding doors even if you are not using them. Wind can easily sneak in through partially opened or unlocked doors, causing significant damage to your home.
Step 7: Place Sandbags by the Doors
To further protect against potential flooding and water intrusion, place sandbags around the perimeter of your sliding doors. This will help create a barrier against rising water levels and keep your home dry.
Step 8: Protect the Track and Rollers
Strong winds can easily dislodge sliding doors from their tracks during a hurricane. Use protective covers or tape to secure the track and rollers to prevent this.
Step 9: Keep Sliding Doors Closed During a Hurricane
While it may seem obvious, keeping your sliding doors closed and locked during a hurricane is essential. This helps prevent potential damage from wind or debris and keeps your home safe.
Step 10: Have a Plan in Place
In addition to taking these steps to protect your sliding doors, it is essential to have an emergency plan in place for you and your family. This should include evacuation routes, emergency supplies, and a designated safe area in your home to take shelter during the storm.
As Hurricane Ian approaches, homeowners must protect their sliding doors from potential damage. By following these ten steps on how to cover sliding doors from hurricanes and having an emergency plan in place, you can help safeguard your home and loved ones against the powerful forces of a hurricane.
Remember always to stay informed and be prepared for any potential storm impacts. Stay safe! With hurricanes’ increasing frequency and intensity, homeowners in hurricane-prone areas need to take proactive measures to protect their homes from potential damage.
8 Things to Avoid During a Hurricane
1. Leaving Sliding Doors Unlocked
As mentioned in step 6, securing your sliding doors when not in use is essential. Leaving them unlocked or partially open can create a potential entry point for wind and debris, causing significant damage to your home.
2. Ignoring Evacuation Orders
If authorities issue an evacuation order, following it and leaving the area immediately is crucial. Staying in your home during a hurricane can put you and your family at risk and hinder emergency response efforts.
3. Not Having an Emergency Plan in Place
Creating an emergency plan for your household before a hurricane hits is essential. This includes knowing evacuation routes, having necessary supplies on hand, and designating a safe area in your home to take shelter during the storm.
4. Leaving Windows and Doors Unprotected
In addition to securing your sliding doors, protecting all windows and external doors with shutters or plywood panels is essential. These can help prevent damage from wind and debris, keeping your home safe.
5. Ignoring Weather Updates and Alerts
Stay informed about the status of a hurricane and any potential impacts by regularly checking weather updates and alerts. This can help you make the necessary preparations or evacuate promptly.
6. Underestimating the Power of Storm Surge
Storm surge is one of the most dangerous aspects of a hurricane, as it can cause significant flooding and damage to coastal areas. Remember to underestimate its power and follow evacuation orders in a high-risk zone.
7. Not Having Insurance Coverage
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy and ensure it covers potential hurricane damage. If not, consider adding additional coverage or purchasing a separate flood insurance policy.
8. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Prepare
Preparing for a hurricane should only be left at the last minute. Start taking steps to protect your home and family when a hurricane watch or warning is issued. This will give you enough time to secure your sliding doors and prepare appropriately. Avoiding these common mistakes can help protect your home and loved ones during a hurricane. Always stay informed, be prepared, and follow any evacuation orders.
8 Additional Tips for Hurricane Preparedness
1. Trim Trees and Bushes
Before a hurricane hits, it is essential to trim any trees and bushes near your home. This can help prevent potential damage from falling branches or debris during high winds.
2. Secure Outdoor Furniture
Secure any outdoor furniture, grills, and decor by tying them or bringing them inside before a hurricane. These items can quickly become dangerous projectiles in strong winds.
3. Plan for Power Outages
Power outages are common during hurricanes, so be prepared with flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food items. Consider purchasing a generator as well for backup power.
4. Protect Important Documents
Make copies of important documents and store them in a waterproof container or safe location. This includes insurance policies, identification documents, and critical medical records.
5. Have a Communication Plan
Create a communication plan with your family in case you get separated during the storm. This can include designated meeting places and emergency contact numbers.
6. Check Your Home’s Drainage System
Make sure your gutters and drainage pipes are clear of debris to prevent potential flooding during a hurricane.
7. Consider Installing Hurricane Shutters
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, consider installing hurricane shutters on all windows and external doors for protection.
8. Evacuate Early if Necessary
If you live in an area prone to storm surges or flooding, do not wait for an evacuation order to leave. It is better to evacuate early and be safe than risk your life during the storm.
Remember, preparation is critical in mitigating potential damage from a hurricane. By following these additional tips, you can help ensure the safety of your home and family during a severe weather event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Tape to Secure My Sliding Doors During a Hurricane?
No, the tape does not support enough and can create dangerous flying debris if broken. It is best to use reinforced shutters or plywood panels.
Will My Homeowner’s Insurance Cover All Hurricane Damage?
It depends on your specific policy. Review your coverage and consider purchasing additional hurricane or flood insurance if necessary.
How Often Should I Trim Trees and Bushes Near My Home?
It is recommended to trim trees and bushes at least once a year, preferably before hurricane season begins.
Do I Need to Evacuate if I Live in a High-Risk Zone?
If your local authorities issue an evacuation order, it is crucial to follow it. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and evacuate early if you live in a high-risk zone for storm surge or flooding. Remember, personal safety should always be the top priority. Overall, staying informed and being prepared are the most critical steps in mitigating potential damage from a hurricane. Take your time; start making preparations today.
Conclusion
After reading this blog post, you should understand how to protect sliding doors from hurricanes. By weatherproofing your sliding door with preventative maintenance, purchasing high-quality materials for installation like hurricane-proof fasteners and insulation material, and properly installing shutters or window protections to keep it from flying open, you can save time and money when faced with a powerful storm.
It is always beneficial to take extra precautions before a hurricane arrives just in case something unexpected occurs. Don’t let those strong winds blow away the security of your home; make sure to protect your sliding doors today!
