By: Astrid Díaz de Casa Segura
We have already survived several storms this season! After those that affected us in August, we recommend that you plan a budget to fix, build or reinforce your home. Analyze what will help your safety and that of your family.
We are at the height of our hurricane season, and we want to prepare you to keep your home safe with some tips. Here you can find a list of needs to give you more peace of mind.
Checklist for a secure house:
Storm shutters and panels
Aluminum shutters thickness .060/.063: $16 p/c with installation included Plywood panels 4’x8’x 3/4″: $30 – $45 each.
Generators and Tankers
Average 3kilowatt generator: $1,000-$3,000 Installed cistern: $1,500 – $2,000.
Doors and windows
Replacing wooden doors that have become wet and out of square: $200-$250 (remove, install and dispose). Semi-hollow wooden door for interior: $60 each Aluminum door-$10-$15/pc. If custom made: $35 p/c “Miami Type” Aluminum Louver Windows: $35 p/c.
Cement Walls and Ceilings
Replacing wind-damaged fogging, removing it completely, correcting cracks, pouring cement with adhesive mixture and fogging: $2 p/c with labor.
Roof waterproofing – Check edges and eaves affected by the wind. Apply from elastomeric paints to silicone. Depending on the material, the durability, guarantees and maintenance will fluctuate between annually or every 5-10
years. They cost from $2.50 -$3.00 p/c installed.
Surface Cracks
Correct superficial cracks with structural urethane or “epoxy” and an elastomeric material. Major cracks require structural evaluation.
Wood houses
Reinforce the roof structure with metal anchors.
New construction
The design of plans and improvements for your home, according to building codes, should be entrusted to architects and engineers.
Insurance Policies
Look for quotes to cover damage to the structure and contents.
Consider joining forces with neighbors or family members to prepare a “Safe House or Communal Place,” so that everyone can structurally reinforce it and equip it to survive the hurricane and be self-sufficient for the coming weeks or months. You must take into consideration all COVID-19 protocols if you are going to spend the emergency among family members.
