Composite siding is a popular choice for home applications because it is durable and easy to clean. However, hurricane prevention can be challenging because of its popularity. The following are some effective tips that will help protect your composite siding from the hurricane:
Use a Dehumidifier
The inside of your home should be dry during hurricane season. If the humidity is very high, it will prevent moisture from escaping through your siding. A dehumidifier can help pull out moisture from the air, which will help prevent mold growth. You can use a basement, laundry room, or a home closet as an area to place your dehumidifier. However, ensure it’s not near combustible materials like painting supplies.
Seal the Area
Since hurricane season is when storms flatten our homes, some water will inevitably enter through your composite siding. You can install weather stripping at the bottom of your windows and doors to help keep out moisture, but unless it’s completely sealed off within the walls, you’ll also have mold problems inside your home.
Use the Right Tools
Keep your tools in a safe place and make sure they are dry before putting them away. This will prevent mold from growing in those tools and spreading to the walls of your home. Also, ensure you have the right tools that won’t damage your sidings, like screwdrivers or power saws.
Get the Proper Protection
You can have an impact-rated product that can protect your composite siding from the hurricane. Impact-rated products withstand wind speeds of 80 mph and above. If you aren’t sure what kind of protection your siding needs, contact the manufacturers for help finding the right product for your exterior siding.
Clean the Surface
Cleaning out your gutters and downspouts throughout hurricane season is a good idea to prevent water from entering your exterior composite siding. You can cover all windows with curtains during storm season as well.
Keep Your Windows Closed
Make sure you completely shut your windows during storm season. Even if water enters through your windows, it will be sealed within the walls and won’t allow mold to grow inside your home. The best thing you can do is install plywood over your windows and keep them closed during the storm season.
Keep the Valuables in a Safe Place
During hurricane season, keep all of your valuables out of the area. This can protect against thefts during the storm and prevent intruders from breaking into areas of your home that may cause damage to siding or flooring. You can also store valuables in a safe place that is up high.
Replace Broken Boards
Some of your siding boards will start to break during a storm; if this happens, you’ll need to replace them. Try to do this on time, as it will prevent water from entering through the broken boards. If not replaced quickly enough, mold may start to grow on the surface of your siding.
Once you have considered all these tips, you should be able to protect your composite siding from the hurricane. However, you also need high-quality siding to see you through a stress-free hurricane period. For outstanding perormance, go for Sherwood’s Everlast composite siding.
