Architecture has come a long way from simple weather proofing right down to natural disaster prevention. With the latest disasters in Japan, weather-proofing safety is becoming a critical aspect of home design and repair. Philadelphia Architects build a lot of homes for both residential and industrial clients, and notice that consumers want more than just a great looking house; they are becoming increasing more concerned about the safety of their design and construction.
Both new and old homes run the risk of succumbing to powerful weather. Architects in Philadelphia explain how the incredibly strong winds of a hurricane or a tornado can break windows, and cause weaknesses in the home's foundation to give away, under the forces of nature. Architects in Philadelphia build homes reinforced with insulated concrete forms, making the house resistant to serious conditions. Still, even houses made out of concrete have weak spots.
Philadelphia architects have come up with some great suggestions to include in blueprints and construction plans, to make a dream home, a house that will be prepared to survive the toughest of conditions.
The three most important areas of the home to reinforce are: the roof, windows and doors. Philadelphia architects offer these helpful weather-proofing tips for each key area:
The Roof
Determining the type of roof you have or want on your home is an important first step. Houses with gabled roofs are more likely to suffer damage in the event of a natural disaster. If you have a gabled roof already, they can be strengthened by installing additional braces in the trusses and/or in the gabled ends. Philadelphia architects recommend experienced builders who have installed galvanized metal hurricane straps, to secure the roof to the walls.
The Windows
Philadelphia architects recommend installing storm shutters as the simplest solution to potential weather damage. Ask for storm shutters in your home plan before it is built. Storm shutters can also be purchased at many home repair and renovation stores. It won't be pretty but in case of an emergency, a homeowner can also makeshift storm shutters out of plywood, if the situation calls for immediate action.
The Doors
The problem with doors is that many do not have strong enough pins or bolts to withstand the power of high winds during a natural disaster. Ask your Philadelphia architects to add extra bolts when they design your home. Homeowners can also implement this idea on their own for less than $50.
These projects cannot guarantee that no harm will ever come to your home, but it will definitely minimize weather related damage.
Philadelphia architects, Wayne Simpson Architects are an architectural and interior design firm, who assist property owners with their expertise and knowledge of the industry. The team has completed multiple residential, home additions and historic restoration projects. Wayne Simpson Architects have been nationally recognized for their work around the country. To visit their photo gallery of completed works, and to read more about these Philadelphia architects, visit them at Waynesimpsonarchitect.
More Information:Wayne Simpson Architect helps owners of
historic properties with restorations & appropriate renovations, and clients desiring new homes or additions employing equal measures of function and delight. They are located and work in and out of Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit
www.waynesimpsonarchitect.com.
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