Assessing Your Home’s Storm Resilience for 2027: A DIY Climate Risk Evaluation

Evaluating your home’s structural resilience to storms and other climate risks is essential, especially as climate change continues to affect the surrounding landscape. A clear view of how your property will fare is critical to developing the right protective measures. 

False Factors You Don’t Have to Focus On

Many homeowners focus on the wrong points when building their own climate risk evaluation checklist. Here are several factors you may consider excluding from the list:

• Home age: Unless your home is older or your builders were noncompliant, you don’t have to worry as much about its age and how it plays into storm resilience. Modern homes are more resilient to hurricanes and floods due to stricter building regulations and technological advancements. 

• Paint and finishes: Exterior paints and finishes may be marketed as water-repellent. However, even durable coatings may only provide minimal impact in the grand scheme of extreme weather events. 

• Smart automation: Smart home infrastructure may help monitor and alert you as storms intensify. But aside from automating certain shutters and valves to close in response to triggers, it may have limited ability to mitigate storm damage. 

What to Include In Your Climate Risk Evaluation 

The main factors that could affect your climate resilience are roofing, foundation and your openings. Checking these factors may help you understand your home’s chances against severe weather. 

Roofing

Roofing is your first line of defense against storms and hurricanes. Wind could blow the roof off, while heavy rain could make it sag. Look for any lingering damage, such as loose shingles or cracked coverings, that need to be fixed first. Additionally, determine if the materials are susceptible to water damage.

Foundation

Your home’s anchor is just as important as its roof. Weaker foundations are susceptible to storm damage, such as flooding and high wind loads. Consider whether your home is in a flood zone and whether it has water management features, such as flood vents and drainage slopes.

Openings

Windows, entry doors, and garage doors don’t have the same structural integrity as your home’s solid walls. As a result, they can be vulnerable if they can’t withstand the brunt of storm winds and rain. Install impact-resistant materials, along with deadbolts and other forms of reinforcement.

How To Make Your Home More Resilient

Once you’ve checked the main elements, take action to make your home more climate-resilient. Here are several strategies to consider.

1. Seek Professional Input

A qualified inspector and contractor can help you implement changes that improve your home’s overall resilience and identify other areas for improvement. However, it’s critical to check their credibility and track record. In 2023, over 10% of the $93 billion in damage from severe weather events was estimated to be lost to storm-chaser contractor fraud. 

2. Make Meaningful Material Selection

Be intentional with the materials that make up your home’s main elements. For instance, green roofing can help with rain absorption and boost thermal mass. Meanwhile, using heavy-duty, impact-rated glass for openings like windows can help reduce outside pressure and keep the home’s interior safe.  

3. Prepare for the Aftermath

If storm damage occurs, be ready to secure it and seek aid. You can temporarily add plywood boarding to your doors, since it’s relatively weather-resistant and keeps intruders at bay. However, if your doors are still left standing, you could reinforce them with portable metal fencing panels. Leave security cameras on while you get help. 

4. Steer Clear of Hazards

Remove any items, such as large tree branches or flimsy gates, that could damage the house during a storm. If you’re in a flood zone, the lowest horizontal structural element of your home should be at least 12 inches above the base flood elevation. 

Create a Personal Storm Resilience Assessment

Understanding your home’s ability to withstand storms and other severe weather begins with an assessment. Check the key elements and ensure your property can provide the necessary defense for you and your loved ones.