The annual hurricane season runs June through November, according to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, and the last 10 years have marked busy and damaging storm seasons. Katrina, Sandy, Rita, and Wilma, are all still fresh in the minds of coastal homeowners, and while 2014 saw no major hurricanes, 2010, 2011, and 2012 are all tied for the third-most active and costly seasons in history.
With that in mind, storm season is an excellent time to reevaluate the products you use and offer in coastal homes. The five new options below will help protect your homes and their buyers from tropical depressions, major hurricanes, and everything in between. Visit our sister site Remodeling for additional storm-ready product ideas.
Head of the Class
Atlas Roofing’s StormMaster shingles featuring Scotchgard Protector is available in slate and shake profiles that offer a stylish aesthetic while bolstering the roof’s weatherability. The shingles boast a Class 4 storm rating, meaning they are built for durability and performance in extreme weather conditions including high winds, heavy rain and snow, and hail. StormMaster shingles offer wind resistance up to 130 mph, Class 4 impact resistance, and Class A fire resistance. Some installations may allow for reduced homeowners’ insurance premiums. atlasroofing.com
Weather-Safe Power
Briggs & Stratton’s Symphony II power management system is helping overcome price objections to installing back-up power. The sophisticated technology prioritizes loads so homeowners can power more systems and appliances with a smaller (and therefore less expensive) generator, without causing faults. Depending on the configuration and the appliances being powered, homeowners could reduce the size of the generator needed by as much as half, such as installing a 10kw generator instead of a 20kw unit for an average size home. briggsandstratton.com
Stick to It
Ultra HT Wind & Water Seal is MFM’s self-adhering waterproofing underlayment. The non-slip, cross-laminated polymer film is laminated to a high-tempearature rubberized aggressive asphalt adhesive. The material bonds to the substrate and seals around fasteners to limit damage caused by water penetration or leaks. Ideal for use under shingle, tile, shake, and metal roofing, Ultra HT Wind & Water Seal features a split-release liner for easy installation in valleys, ridges, and around chimneys. A 2-square roll measures 36-inches wide and 67 feet long. The material can be left exposed for up to 90 days. mfmbp.com
