For those of us who live in Florida, we are all too familiar with hurricane season and the destruction it can do to homes and properties from June to November each year. In addition to the usual preparation tips of stocking up on non-perishable food items, flashlights, and batteries, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to hurricane proof your manufactured home—the answer is yes. Read on to learn some simple but effective ways to protect your manufcatured home from a hurricane as best you can.
Ways to Prepare
When you first hear that a hurricane is headed our way, there are some preliminary steps you can take to get your home ready, in addition to the tips listed below.
- Pack up anything that could break.
- Tape up glass that is vulnerable to shattering, such as mirrors or windows.
- Turn off the water main to prevent flooding.
- Shut off any fuel lines.
- Secure loose outdoor items, including lawn furniture.
- Make a list of your home’s inventory for insurance purposes.
- Close all interior doors to reduce the pressure put on the roof by hurricane-force winds by up to 30%.
Today’s manufactured homes are built to standards as stringent as traditional homes built on-site. For example, Nobility Homes are built according to the current Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards that dictate a home in Wind Zone II should be able to withstand up to 100 mph of wind. But, following these tips helps mitigate storm-related damage that can still occur.
- Address the Anchors
Inspect and secure the tie-down straps, anchors, and other stabilization components on your manufactured home before a storm arrives to ensure they can do their job and keep your home secured to the ground. The anchors used for manufactured homes today are HUD-regulated and designed to withstand up to 4725 pounds of force, so it is crucial to verify that they are in working order and can do their job effectively before the hurricane comes.
- Prevent Leaking
Check and seal the joints where your walls meet the floor and ceiling, as these places are most susceptible to leaking due to the rain and high winds associated with a hurricane.
- Secure the Siding
The siding of your manufactured home is especially vulnerable to storm damage because the siding on the exterior of the house sits atop insulation. When the siding comes off in the high wind, the insulation and interior walls of your home can sustain significant damage. To secure the siding better, you can add more screws to ensure that it holds tightly where it meets the house’s walls, floor, and roof.
- Close your Storm Shutters
If you have storm shutters installed on your manufactured home make sure that you close them before the storm arrives. If storm shutters are not currently installed on your home, boarding or taping your windows can help prevent the breaking or shattering of windows.
- Maintain the Roof
The roof of your home is one of the most essential components for protecting your manufactured house from hurricane damage. Any vulnerability in your roof can lead to it detaching and letting heavy rain come into your home. To confirm that your roof is ready for any impending hurricanes, check that all edges are fastened tightly, and any holes are sealed appropriately.
Most Importantly: Listen to Local Authorities
The most important thing to do in severe weather is to listen to your local authorities when it comes to evacuation and safety concerns. At the end of the day, your and your family’s safety should be the #1 priority. After you have properly prepped your mobile home for the storm, focus on weather your are going to be hunkering down or evacuating, and prioritize your safety!
Prestige Is on Your Side No Matter What
Our housing partner, Nobility Homes, builds houses to the highest standards so you can rest assured that your home will have the best chance of withstanding the severe Florida weather.