We understand how important it is to keep your home protected during severe weather. In 2019 alone, Pennsylvania experienced at least 22 tornados, with a couple touching down close to the Lehigh Valley in May 2019. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, high winds are likely to cause damage once they reach or exceed 50 mph. As recently as January 2020, Lehigh Valley experienced wind gusts approaching 50 mph. At that wind speed, home exteriors can be vulnerable.
Damaging wind gusts, hail and strong thunderstorms often cause exterior damage and water leaks. Safeguard your Signature Home by considering these popular weather-resistant building materials during home construction to protect from the threat of damage caused by extreme weather conditions.
Window and Door Glass
Demand for glass used in windows and doors is forecasted to increase 4.3% annually through 2023 according to an article posted to the PR Newswire by The Freedonia Group. Credited with the gain is a growing demand for impact-resistant windows, which feature significantly thicker glass panes than standard windows. If hit hard enough by a downed tree or windborne debris, glass can fracture, but will not break through, providing the best exterior protection according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Weatherproofing frames around windows and doors is also important, to not only prevent warm air from escaping the home, but to keep water from leaking in. If not properly maintained, small gaps or cracks in flashing or weather stripping can soak the interior of a home during wet weather. Once water enters the home through these cracks, it can cause rot and corrosion that not only weakens window and door frames, but damages interior walls, finishes and stimulates mold growth. Prevent the threat of water entering the home through these areas by replacing worn weather strips or fixing damaged areas around windows and door frames with caulking.
Shutters
If impact-resistant glass is not in the budget, manually operated or motor-driven shutters are a less expensive option to consider. These shutter options must be activated to cover the window for protection. Shutter styles include roll-down, accordion and swinging. Some manufacturers even offer Kevlar-based fabric as part of shutter design for extra protection.
Roofing
Keep in mind the color of roof shingles when selecting your style during home construction. Dark asphalt shingles hold heat, and can expand and contract seasonally. Light or white colored shingles can be susceptible to mold growth and staining. Asphalt shingles in neutral colors work best. The material is highly durable, waterproof and offers good heat reflectivity. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of roofing materials when deciding to go with asphalt shingles versus steel or other metal roofing. Although metal roofs can be excellent at withstanding wet weather and high pressure from high winds or hailstorms, asphalt shingles are cost-effective and easy to maintain.
Siding
HGTV offers some weatherproofing solutions when it comes to choosing exterior siding. When properly maintained, chalking and painting or staining can prevent weather damage on wood siding. Since water can penetrate brick, a brick exterior will benefit from a membrane installed between the brick veneer and house to protect the structure. Other popular options in siding for withstanding harsh weather include seamless steel, engineered wood and fiber cement, which was among the top hot new products seen at the International Builders’ Show.
Building materials are evolving to help safeguard home exteriors during harsh weather. At Signature Homes, we pride ourselves in being a trusted home construction company building quality Lehigh Valley homes. Contact us via email or call (610) 849-3759 today to begin designing and planning your very own Signature Home by JT Maloney.
