The idea of hurricane proofing your house might seem unrealistic to most. After all, hurricanes are arguably the most destructive natural disaster possible. A lot of people might think that you can only retrofit your home to withstand the force of an earthquake.
In reality, there are some things you can do to limit the amount of damage that your home will withstand. Whether it's the use of steel roofing or the simple act of removing all the debris from your landscaping, you have to consider all your options. You might think that installing steel roofing will do nothing to stave off the onslaught of Mother Nature. On the contrary, it's one of the best things that you can do to ensure your home will be standing when you return to it.
Climbing up a latter isn't nearly as dangerous as standing atop your snowy roof. Climb up a latter and try to pull the snow off with a large push broom. Do not use too much force with the broom as it may damage the solar panel. Also, never use a rake or something sharp or metal. The surface of your solar panel has a layer of protective glass that you do not want to damage. Damage from the homeowner is probably not covered by the warranty, so be very careful if you decide to try sweeping the snow off of your panels.
In many homes, garage doors are of the most vulnerable points in the home's structure. A weak garage door can let wind enter the home, which will in turn result in the roof being torn off. Once you have installed the right garage door, you should move on to the roof. You need to invest in steel roofing that's reinforced to handle whatever is thrown its way. The garage door has to be reinforced as well. Check with the major garage door companies to see what they can do. Odds are if they are located in parts of the country that have more hurricanes than others, they will have offerings that will get the job done.
There are several theories around that claim using chemicals can help keep the snow off of your panels. This, however, is not recommended. People have suggested spraying your panels with cooking spray or even dousing them with windshield wiper fluid. None of these is recommended as it can fog up the panels permanently and cause a decrease in energy yield. You can use water from the hose to try spraying off the snow, just make sure it doesn't freeze on to the panels. Lastly, never try to melt the snow with hot water. When hot water is poured onto glass it often causes the glass to crack.
Positioning your Panels for Optimal Energy Production
Utilizing Modern Pumping Technology
Homes that have basements will need a way to get the water out of the home. In the case of hurricanes that produce enough rain to fill up ground floors, you can take advantage of having a pump on the premises. It's difficult to find anything that causes more damage to a house after a hurricane than water rushing in. During a natural disaster, water has a tendency to flow wildly, collecting all sorts of debris in the process.
Whatever you decide to do about the snow on your panels, be sure to take all of the necessary safety precautions. You don't want to damage the panels but, more importantly, you don't want to hurt yourself in an effort to earn a few more watts of energy. Usually, the safest place on a snowy day is sitting by your fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate. Stay safe!
In reality, there are some things you can do to limit the amount of damage that your home will withstand. Whether it's the use of steel roofing or the simple act of removing all the debris from your landscaping, you have to consider all your options. You might think that installing steel roofing will do nothing to stave off the onslaught of Mother Nature. On the contrary, it's one of the best things that you can do to ensure your home will be standing when you return to it.
Climbing up a latter isn't nearly as dangerous as standing atop your snowy roof. Climb up a latter and try to pull the snow off with a large push broom. Do not use too much force with the broom as it may damage the solar panel. Also, never use a rake or something sharp or metal. The surface of your solar panel has a layer of protective glass that you do not want to damage. Damage from the homeowner is probably not covered by the warranty, so be very careful if you decide to try sweeping the snow off of your panels.
In many homes, garage doors are of the most vulnerable points in the home's structure. A weak garage door can let wind enter the home, which will in turn result in the roof being torn off. Once you have installed the right garage door, you should move on to the roof. You need to invest in steel roofing that's reinforced to handle whatever is thrown its way. The garage door has to be reinforced as well. Check with the major garage door companies to see what they can do. Odds are if they are located in parts of the country that have more hurricanes than others, they will have offerings that will get the job done.
There are several theories around that claim using chemicals can help keep the snow off of your panels. This, however, is not recommended. People have suggested spraying your panels with cooking spray or even dousing them with windshield wiper fluid. None of these is recommended as it can fog up the panels permanently and cause a decrease in energy yield. You can use water from the hose to try spraying off the snow, just make sure it doesn't freeze on to the panels. Lastly, never try to melt the snow with hot water. When hot water is poured onto glass it often causes the glass to crack.
Positioning your Panels for Optimal Energy Production
Utilizing Modern Pumping Technology
Homes that have basements will need a way to get the water out of the home. In the case of hurricanes that produce enough rain to fill up ground floors, you can take advantage of having a pump on the premises. It's difficult to find anything that causes more damage to a house after a hurricane than water rushing in. During a natural disaster, water has a tendency to flow wildly, collecting all sorts of debris in the process.
Whatever you decide to do about the snow on your panels, be sure to take all of the necessary safety precautions. You don't want to damage the panels but, more importantly, you don't want to hurt yourself in an effort to earn a few more watts of energy. Usually, the safest place on a snowy day is sitting by your fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate. Stay safe!
About the Author:
TRA Snow & Sun is the right company to improve your home by increasing your energy efficiency with solar mounting systems and ensure your houseis ready for the winter with snow fences, snow guards, and more.
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