TAMPA, Fla., June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- 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)
over the past two 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 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
http://www.disastersafety.org and review the hurricane publications "S
Marks the Spot" and "Keep Wind and Water Out."
The Institute for Business & Home Safety works to reduce the social and
economic effects of natural disasters and other property losses by
conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and
preparation practices.
SOURCE Institute for Business & Home Safety
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Related links:
http://www.disastersafety.org
CONTACT:
Wendy Rose, Institute for Business & Home
Safety, +1-813-675-1045, or +1-813-486-8365, or wrose@ibhs.org
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