Blog: 10 Exterior Home Products Built To Withstand High Winds

We build our homes to stand up against most natural forces, from raging thunderstorms to damaging snow and ice. While we may be taking the right precautions to protect against snow and rain, shielding our homes against wind damage might not always seem like a high priority.

But sustained high winds from storms and tornadoes are often devastating enough to rip off siding, tear off a roof, or send wind-blown debris through windows.

Protect your home and the people inside it. What follows are 10 products that we’ve found that will provide added protection against high winds to your house and give you peace of mind.

1. Impact-Resistant Siding

High winds can have a devastating impact on the quality of your siding. If your home has sustained damage from a recent storm and you’re left with cracked or punctured siding (or no siding at all!), there are a few different types of impact-resistant siding that you might consider.

Vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, wood siding are popular choices, and some manufacturers will provide wind-load resistance ratings for their products so you know the best applications for them.

Rollex’s steel siding is one of the most durable siding products on the market and provides a more rigid make-up that stands up to stormy weather and dangerous winds.

2. Fabric Panels

Windows and doors typically sustain the most damage from wind and storms. While damage might be extensive enough to replace your windows or doors, there are other cost-effective measures that you can take.

Placing a protective barrier, like fabric panels, in front of windows and doors to stop windblown debris can be quite effective. These translucent panels are made from a polymer base that can be attached with grommets or clips, and are easy to install and take down after the storm passes.

5. Colonial Shutters

Colonial shutters have been around for hundreds of years, and some homes still have their original shutters. These shutters are permanently installed onto the house and are made from a wood or poly material. In addition to protecting window glass from flying debris, these shutters also add a decorative statement to your home, increasing curb appeal.

6. Roof Sheathing for Exterior Floors

Don't forget to protect exterior flooring such as elevated decks, balconies and patios where the wind can get underneath. High winds from hurricanes can create a suction force that can pull down on flooring systems. This suction force can damage floor joists and under-floor sheathing that is in place. Roof sheathing that is placed on the top of your house can also be attached to the underside of exterior flooring systems to provide more wind resistant properties. The product is attached with the same nailing system you would use when placing roof sheathing on top of your home.

10. Security Deadbolts

Some of the simplest home products designed to withstand high winds do not require a major remodel of your home.

If you are looking to reinforce the exterior door of your home, invest in a security deadbolt that has a bolt-throw length of more than one inch. Ensure that your door framing is in good condition - a deadbolt can add extra security when the wind gusts outside.

We don’t often purchase a home based on how it stands up to storms or tornadoes, but taking preventative measures will prevent devastation and headaches in the long run.

Protect your property and the people you love, and sleep easy knowing your home is secured, even in the worst kinds of weather.