If you're a homeowner in Connecticut, you know how important it is to fortify your home against wind gusts, snow loads, and more. Whether you live on the coast or inland, storms can impact your home in many ways.
One thing you can do to protect your home is through weather-resilient remodeling with a reputable Connecticut contractor. By engaging in renovation strategies that help your home withstand snow loads and other adverse conditions, you can help protect your investment, your belongings, and your family.
Weather and Environmental Conditions In Connecticut
No matter what part of Connecticut you live in, your home will be exposed to a range of difficult conditions. Connecticut can see up to 60 inches of snow per year at its highest elevations. If you live on the coast, your home will be routinely battered by wind, where strong storms can bring wind gusts up to and over 50 miles per hour. Connecticut also experiences the occasional tornado, and at times, intense ocean storms can push inland, bringing intense wind and rain to towns throughout the state.
How To Prepare Your Home
One of the best ways to protect your property from adverse conditions is to reinforce your home through weather-resilient remodeling. Modern building codes dictate that Connecticut homes must be built to resist strong winds (typically exceeding 100 miles per hour) and heavy snowfall (usually 2.5 feet or more). How much wind and snow a home must be built to withstand varies by municipality.
While there are many ways that homes are built to withstand these conditions, a few modern requirements stand out.
Hurricane Windows in Coastal Areas
Hurricane windows are designed to withstand high impact from flying debris. These windows are made from ultra-strong frames and specially reinforced glazing to ensure that when an object hits the window at high speeds, the window will not be compromised. Although hurricane windows can break, the glass stays in place, rather than sending sharp shards into the room.
Hurricane windows are more expensive than standard windows, but they're a requirement for new homes built along the coast. If you have an older home that lacks hurricane-resistant windows, this type of upgrade can enhance your property's value.
Unlike some hurricane shutters and other reinforcements, hurricane windows don't need to be specially deployed in order to be effective. As long as your windows are closed during a storm, they'll do their job. This provides peace of mind for homeowners in coastal areas.
Metal Strapping For Roofs
Metal roof strapping reinforces the structural integrity of your home by tying together your roofing and walls. In places where high winds can cause devastating updrafts during storms, metal strapping can help stabilize the roof and the home's structure. Like hurricane roofing, metal strapping is required for new construction in homes on the coast, but may not be found in older homes.
Structural Roof Reinforcement for Heavy Snow Loads
In parts of Connecticut that see heavy snow loads (particularly in the northwest hills of the state), structural roof reinforcement can help ensure that snow will not cause structural collapse under normal or stormy conditions. There are many ways to reinforce a roof for snow loads, including the use of high-quality materials, stronger roof decking, and closer spacing of roof trusses.
Am I Required To Update My Home?
Newer homes are all built in compliance with modern building codes, so extra reinforcement may not be necessary if your home was recently constructed. If you own an older home that was not built in compliance with modern building codes, you do not have to update your home unless you're making changes to the structure. During a renovation, you may be required to bring your home up to compliance to get a permit.
Even if you're not making structural changes to your home, updating your home to help it withstand strong storms and adverse conditions can be good for peace of mind (and good for your home's value). If you'd like to update your home's structure, hire a reliable Connecticut contractor to make these updates.
What Can I Do To Improve My Home's Weather Readiness?
In addition to updating your home's structure, there are other things you can do to ensure that your home will be strong enough to withstand strong winds, snow, ice, and so on:
- Maintain your roof and windows: Don't put off repairs. Keep up to date with minor maintenance activities to extend your roof and windows' service life and protect your home's structure. If you need to replace your roof or windows, do it before real damage is done. Typical asphalt roofs need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years, and windows need replacement on a similar timeline.
- Use high-quality materials: Don't skimp on roofing and window materials — they're some of the most essential systems in your home. Purchase high-quality materials and products to ensure they'll last a long time.
- Inspect your roof, siding, and windows periodically: Performing regular inspections can help you catch problems before they become serious. Look for curling, cracked, or broken shingles, water stains around window sills, mold, and other problems. If you see something, take fast action to address the problem.
- Use a licensed contractor when making changes: Whether you're updating your home or just completing maintenance, work with a licensed contractor.
Hiring a Contractor? Download Our Free Guide
Hiring a contractor is easier with help from experts. For free information about hiring a contractor in Connecticut, download the Litchfield Builder's Guide to Hiring a Residential Contractor. To get started with a project in your home, you can also contact us for a free consultation.
