Preparing Your New Hawaii Home for Tropical Weather
Are you are looking forward to living in the tropical paradise of Hawaii? Being in beautiful sunshine state brings with it unique considerations in home ownership. One of the most important is preparing your new home for the potentially harsh tropical weather.
Hawaii’s tropical climate is quite different from that of the mainland United States. Due to the high humidity and frequent storms, homeowners must be aware of any potential vulnerabilities that their home may have to the elements.
Before moving to Hawaii, take the time to review the home’s structure and look at any renovations that may need to be done in order to keep it safe. This may include looking into hurricane shutters, installing metal roofs, and grounding the home’s electrical system.
Inspecting Your Home
When buying a home in Hawaii, you should have the property thoroughly inspected for any potential flaws in the structure. An experienced home inspector can look for signs of water damage due to storms, or weak points in the roof or windows that might lead to leaks or damage during strong winds.
The home inspector should also look for any potential problems in the home’s electrical system, such as old wiring or outdated switches and outlets. Additionally, the plumbing should be inspected for any leaks. All of these areas need to be checked before moving to the island.
Installing Hurricane Shutters
In order to protect your home from the strong winds that can come with a hurricane, it is highly recommended that you install hurricane shutters for all of the windows and doors. These shutters can be folded up easily during calmer weather, and quickly put on when bad storms are coming.
Hurricane shutters come in a variety of materials and styles, so you should choose the one that best fits your budget and the look of your home. It is important to check with your local building regulations before installing any shutters as there may be certain requirements.
In addition to protecting your home from wind damage, hurricane shutters also provide an extra layer of security. It may be wise to invest in a system that can automatically close all shutters when storm warnings are issued.
Installing a Metal Roof
Having a metal roof on your home can protect it from the strong tropical weather. Metal roofs are much more durable than traditional roofs and will hold up better during a hurricane or strong storm. They are also more heat resistant and can help keep the inside of your home cool during hot summer months.
Installing a metal roof can be somewhat expensive, but the extra protection it provides is well worth the cost. Be sure to hire an experienced contractor who specializes in metal roofing to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Grounding Your Home’s Electrical System
- Prepare and install grounding rods
- Have an electrician inspect your electrical system
- Replace and upgrade outdated wiring and outlets
- Include surge protectors for electronic devices
One important step in protecting your home from a hurricane or storm is to properly ground your home’s electrical system. Grounding rods placed 8 feet into the ground can help protect your home from electrical surges that can occur when lightening strikes. This can help prevent damage to your home’s electrical system.
It is also a good idea to have an electrician inspect your home’s electrical wiring and outlets. If any problems are found, they should be fixed as soon as possible. This can include replacing outdated wiring and outlets and adding in surge protectors for electronic devices.
Conclusion
Living in the Hawaiian islands can be a dream come true, however, preparing for extreme tropical weather is an important consideration. Taking the time to inspect the home’s structure and install hurricane shutters, metal roofs, and properly ground the home’s electrical system can help ensure that your home stays safe during storm season.