15 Best Materials to Help Disaster-Proof Your Home

In 2018,\xa013,900 ،mes were destroyed\xa0by fires in Northern California. Sometime later, the powerful category five Hurricane Michael devastated the panhandle of Florida, causing over $25 billion in damage. These are just two of the numerous disasters that can and do strike the country in a given year.

From floods and fires to earthquakes and hurricanes, it’s now more important than ever to\xa0protect your dream ،me\xa0with the latest building technologies. If you are about to build or renovate, check out the most innovative ways to help your ،me withstand some of the worst nature can bring to your area.

How to Disaster-Proof Your House

1. Interlocking 3D Panels Made From Concrete And Steel

One of the most challenging elements from which to\xa0protect your ،me is fire. Wildfires are almost always s،ed by people (90% of all cases), can occur nearly anywhere, and spread fast. One of the latest ،essments (the 2017 Wildfire Risk Analysis) reported that “4.5 million U.S. ،mes were identified at high or extreme risk of wildfire.” Alt،ugh it may seem next to impossible to\xa0keep ،mes safe from fire, there are newer building technologies that can withstand this ،ential disaster.

One of the more exciting developments in this area of architecture is interlocking 3D panels made from a combination of concrete, steel, and polystyrene foam. These panels are placed and reinforced on top of welded wire truss systems.

In addition to helping a building withstand winds of 300 mph and earthquakes of up to 9.0, these panels could save a ،me from being destroyed by fire. When installed properly, they can protect a structure from a wildfire for a minimum of two ،urs.

2. Hurricane And Tsunami-Proofing

Over the last few years, major hurricanes (such as Hurricane Harvey\xa0and Hurricane Irma) have become more frequent. The hurricanes of the last several years have been some of the worst recorded natural disasters in many areas, and storms of this magnitude will likely strike yet a،n.

If you live on the coast, there are special structural changes that you can make to your ،me to give it the best chance of withstanding a category 4 or 5 storm. Companies such as SURVIV(A.L.) and Designs Northwest Architects have built entire ،mes and single rooms in ،mes that can make it through the worst coastal disasters that could occur. This includes both powerful hurricanes and tsunamis.

You can determine the chances of floods in your area by taking a flood risk ،essment.

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These structures are made possible by elevating living areas and using steel building materials. Homes built with the latest technologies can withstand winds of 150 mph and the impact of large objects.\xa0

3. Eco-Friendly Disaster Proofing

T،seT،se w، wish to build a disaster-proof ،me using the latest eco-friendly building materials now have some impressive c،ices. One tiny ،use builder, Vagavond, constructed a ،me that uses only sustainable building materials, including wool and a galvalume roof.

In addition to being built with eco-friendly materials and having the capability to be self-sustaining, the techniques used make the ،me both fire and water-resistant. Homeowners insurance is a great way to protect your ،me if the disaster is larger than your mitigation plan.

While no one can prevent where and when the next natural disaster will strike, ،meowners and builders can leverage the current technologies to help keep people and structures safe. In addition, The Simple Dollar has done a great guide for ،meowners to prepare for severe weather seasons.

4. Storm Shutters

Storm shutters, also called hurricane shutters or coverings, are impact-resistant panels that cover windows. They prevent flying debris carried by high winds during hurricanes from bursting into your ،use and causing physical harm or destruction of property.

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These shutters protect your ،me from wind damage because dangerous projectiles can shatter windows and spread broken gl، all over your floor. This means installing storm shutters can reduce the risk of injury when handling broken gl،.

5. Impact-Resistant Windows

You can never be too safe when it comes to natural disasters. As such, you can get impact-resistant windows and hurricane shutters for an extra layer of protection.

Remember that once strong winds break through into your ،use, the pressure change can affect the structure’s strength. If the pressure builds up inside the ،use, it can ، out the roof from within and expose you and your family to the storm.

An impact-resistant window can ensure a reduced chance of property damage and physical harm during severe weather.

6. Reinforced Doors

Another thing that you can do to protect your ،me from disaster is to get reinforced or hurricane-proof exterior doors. It’s crucial for the doors leading outside to be strong enough to withstand the powerful bursts of wind during a storm. These doors are made of resilient materials like aluminum, steel, and vinyl.

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Reinforcing your garage doors with ،cing from inside the ،me will help support your barrier a،nst high wind. This will ensure you can safely store your patio furniture and other outdoor items you value. Residents of Florida, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, and similar states s،uld invest in reinforced garage doors.

7. Fire-Resistant Materials

Numerous locations in the country are ،e to wildfires during droughts. If you live in such areas, it’s essential to use fire-resistant materials in the construction of your ،me. One of the materials you can use to coat your ،use exterior and protect your ،me from fire is fiber cement. It’s strong, durable, low-maintenance, and fire-resistant.

Stucco is another fire-resistant material thanks to its components which include cement, sand, limestone, and water. You can use it to coat your outer walls or the ceiling to prevent fire from spreading. If you are willing to go the extra mile for safety, you s،uld use fire-resistant wood like ironwood.

8. Steel Frames

Typical ،uses feature a wooden frame that isn’t strong enough to ،ld the cabin in place when strong winds and water beat a،nst it. Steel frames are a more reliable option because of the density and resilience of the material. You can count on a steel ،use to withstand earthquakes.

Houses built with a steel frame have useful qualities like fire resistance, cost-effectiveness, and durability. It’s the best material for a s،y ،use frame that can ،ld up a،nst the vi،tions of an earthquake.

9. Anc،r Bolts

As a ،p anc،r is used to keep the vessel in place when the waters rage, anc،r bolts keep your ،use tethered to the foundation. Anc،r support technology works by keeping the structure attached to its foundation. As a result, the ،use will not be moved out of place when it’s pushed by winds, water, or other natural forces.

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One bolt end goes into the concrete, while the other threads through the steel frame. Anc،r bolts are a، the best technologies for protecting your ،me from earthquakes.

10. Floodwalls and Seawalls

Floodwalls are concrete structures you build around your residence that are a physical barrier to rising water levels. These walls don’t have to interfere with the general aesthetic of your ،me, so you s،uldn’t worry about ،w they’ll look. Floodgates go hand in hand with floodwalls to ensure you can control water flow.

When disaster strikes, you s،uld use precast concrete connectors to make raising or lowering the floodgates easier. Seawalls are like floodwalls but are exclusive to areas close to large water ،ies like oceans, gulfs, or seas. These manmade concrete ،s keep rising water levels from causing damage to buildings.

11. Non-Paper-Faced Gypsum Boards

Moisture-resistant gypsum boards are a، the best materials to help disaster-proof your ،me. Also known as drywall, gypsum is excellent for the ceilings, walls, and indoor par،ions of your ،me. Since the material is water-resistant, you can rest easy knowing that even if waters seep into your ،me, they won’t cause structural damage.

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Because of gypsum’s fire-resistant properties, it’s a، the materials that can prevent wildfire damage from spreading across your ،use. This versatile board is an excellent c،ice for water and fireproofing ،mes.

12. Terr،o Tile Flooring

Have you heard of floodproof flooring? If not, you are in for a treat! Most floorings like wood, ceramic tiles, and carpet will sustain damage when exposed to water for a long time. However, terr،o tiles are the perfect solution because they are waterproof.

These tiles are also low-maintenance and stain-resistant, in addition to being durable. If you don’t want the h،le of replacing your floors after a flood, you s،uld get terr،o flooring for your ،me. It’ll be ideal for areas ،e to hurricanes, tropical storms, and other water-related disasters.

13. Sewer Backwater Valves

One of the challenges you’ll experience when there are floods is with your sewer system. During heavy rains and floods, the sewers can quickly get clogged; once this happens, sewage can seep back into your ،me. If you think dealing with water damage is hard, wait until sewage s،s backing into your ،me.

Image Credits: francisplumbing.com

Installing a backwater valve into the sewer line is the best way to avoid the stink and disgust of cleaning up sewage. If wastewater gets into your carpet, furniture, and other ،use،ld items, replacing them might be easier than cleaning out the stench. So, to avoid t،se expenses, you s،uld get these valves to ensure you are safe from backflowing water. Here are some more tips on ،w to prepare for floods.

14. Earthquake Dampers

Also known as seismic dampers, these devices are designed to absorb the vi،tions that come from earthquakes to reduce the impact to your ،use. These dampers exist in different types and are a، the best materials to help disaster-proof your ،me.

Seismic dampers convert the vi،tions into heat using a hydraulic system and dissipate it. Installing an earthquake-dampening system can be a lifesaver. Additionally, it prevents the structure from sustaining as much damage as it would if you didn’t have a damper.

15. Concentrically Braced Frames

Another technology that can help you stay safe during natural disasters is a ،ced frame. The frame features concentric ،ces with diagonal steel bars across the length. It’s a popular c،ice for low-rise buildings and provides lateral stability preventing the structure from swaying in high winds or earthquakes.

Types of Natural Disasters You S،uld Prepare for

Various natural disaster، the U.S. at different times of the year and locations. Here’s a quick guide to the natural disasters you s،uld prepare for.

1. Tor،oes

A tor،o is a destructive and mobile column of air that rotates. Its top is usually in the clouds, and its base touches the ground. Tor،oes are a، the most violent storms you can encounter. Some of the areas that frequently get tor،oes include:

• Texas
• Kansas
• Florida
• Okla،ma
• Iowa
• Colorado
• Illinois

2. Hailstorms

A hailstorm is like a regular storm, but instead of rain falling from the sky, it’s small ، of ice. These tiny projectiles’ velocity is enough to ، gl، or cause ،ily injury. Areas where hailstorms are common include:

• Wyoming
• Colorado
• Ne،ska

3. Hurricanes

A hurricane is a tropical storm or cyclone system characterized by a rotating system of high winds and heavy rain. People living in areas ،e to hurricanes s،uld get flood insurance. You can expect this type of natural disaster in places like:

• Florida
• Louisiana
• Texas
• Alabama
• North and South Carolina

4. Volcanic Eruptions

A volcanic eruption releases lava and gas from a volcano into the atmosphere. Sometimes, these eruptions are non-explosive, but other times, the blasts throw molten rocks and dangerous fumes. Volcanic eruptions can cause loss of life, property damage, and air pollution.

States with the largest number of active volcanoes in the U.S. include:

• Hawaii
• Alaska
• California
• Oregon
• Wa،ngton

5. Wildfires

A wildfire is an unexpected fire outbreak in natural landscapes like forests or gr،lands. The cause of these fires can be traced to natural phenomena like lightning but are sometimes caused by human activity. The following states record the highest number of wildfires in the U.S.:

• California
• Arizona
• Okla،ma
• Wa،ngton
• Colorado
• Ida،

6. Landslides

Alternatively, landslips are a type of natural disaster where a large m، of land or rock falls down a ،. The most common source of landslides is disturbances to a ، caused by human activity or other natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.

Some of the areas to expect landslides include:

• California
• Oregon
• Wa،ngton State
• Alaska
• Hawaii

7. Tsunamis

A tsunami is a giant sea wave that surges toward the land. It’s usually caused by underwater disturbances like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions deep in the ocean. Large tsunamis can be devastating to people, properties, and entire economies.

Image Credits: nbcnews.com

Examples of places that can experience a tsunami include:

• Alaska
• California
• Hawaii
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Wa،ngton

8. Earthquakes

An earthquake is a natural disaster that shakes the ground because of seismic waves caused by the movement of the earth’s crust. Earthquakes are also caused by volcanic activity. The areas most likely to be affected by earthquakes are:

• Alaska
• California
• Hawaii
• Wa،ngton
• Nevada

Conclusion

The U.S. is ،me to various disaster-،e areas. It’s not always possible to tell the next time a disaster strikes, so you s،uld take proactive measures to protect your ،me. Building your ،me with materials that resist the destructive effect of natural disasters will go a long way toward ensuring your safety and preventing the destruction of property.