Renovating your home to protect against extreme weather can help minimize potential damage, improve the value of your property and potentially help you save on your home insurance.
Discover three home improvement upgrades that can help you protect against wildfires, floods, hailstorms and hurricanes.
Factor in severe weather when choosing exteriors
If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather such as hailstorms and hurricanes, budgeting for weather resistant exteriors will help save you money (and headaches).
If your property needs a new roof and experiences severe storms, then investing in Class 4 impact-resistant shingles is a wise idea. They are designed to withstand hail and winds of up to 170 km/h.
While you’re budgeting for exteriors, you may also want to consider upgrading your siding to something durable such as Hardie board, brick, stone or stucco.
Consider fire-resistant landscaping
When planning a landscaping project, small choices can have a big impact — especially if you live in an area that is prone to wildfires.
When designing your landscaping, consider:
- Strategically placing and pruning plants so that they are not close to your home or each other, which can help prevent fires from spreading.
- Using fire-resistant plants that are native to the area since they tend to be more resilient.
- Incorporating non-combustible elements such as gravel or brick paths that can serve as a fire break between your structures.
Plan for floods
If your home is in an area that has flood risks or experiences a lot of moisture, investing in sump pumps, backwater valves and battery backups for the system can help remove excess water from around your foundation and basement.
You should also consider buying a moisture detection system to help identify leaks in your home. A moisture detection system can also help you with a range of DIY projects by detecting the moisture content in wood, drywall and concrete.
Don’t forget to do regular inspections and check for water leaks around your property — especially after a cold weather snap or a big rainstorm.
Don’t forget to update your insurance advisor
Insurers expect you to play a role in protecting your home from damage. That’s why some insurers will offer discounts for home renovations that can help minimize the damage that storms, floods and wildfires can cause.
Before you start home renovations, contact an Acera Insurance advisor to discuss the possible updates to your home and how they may impact your policy.
We’re happy to help you navigate your home insurance coverage and ensure that you’re getting the best coverage at the most competitive price.
Check out our severe weather guides for more tips on how to protect your home and vehicles from extreme weather.
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