Tuesday Tips-Keep Out Wind Driven Rain

This is the 3rd post about natural disaster safety. The others were Hurricane Protection, and The Top 3 Hurricane Protection Myths. Today we look at protection your home from wind driven rain from storms.

Water damage from wind-driven rain can be a costly problem, even when windows, doors, and roofs remain intact.

Research conducted by the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) during recent hurricane seasons found water can be forced into buildings through small holes, unsealed openings and gaps around windows and doors. If not discovered and dried-out quickly, the extent of the damage can increase.

“Keeping water out is the new frontier in hurricane protection,” said Tim Reinhold, IBHS vice president of engineering. “Wind-driven rain is forced under doors and through window seams, leading to soaked floors, baseboards, and sometimes drywall and furnishings. It’s a particular problem for hi-rise and beachfront condos with patio doors.”

Seal All Holes and Openings

* Close and lock all windows, doors, skylights and vents to prevent water intrusion.
* Use polyurethane sealant to close up holes where wires, cables and pipes enter and exit the house, and around electrical boxes and circuit breaker panels. Pipe penetrations include AC refrigerant and condensate lines, water heater pressure relief lines and water pipes.
* Also seal cracks around wall outlets, dryer vents, bathroom and kitchen vents and electrical devices such as wall lights. Make this a part of routine maintenance to protect your home from the elements all year long.

If you’re in a flood prone area or near roads that are expected to flood, seal off the base of doors with sand bags or plastic sheeting and tape.

Protect Patio Doors
If your patio doors have a high exposure to the elements, deploy your shutter system if you have one. Hurricane screens have been particularly effective in slowing wind-driven rain to a fine mist, reducing the chance it will pool in the door tracks.

If you don’t currently have a way to protect your patio doors, have supplies on hand to dry up any water instruction immediately after the storm passes.

For more information, visit the IBHS web site www.disastersafety.org and review the hurricane publications “S Marks the Spot” and “Keep Wind and Water Out.”