The threat of strong winds is real for mobile homes. Whether you rent or own a manufactured house, learning how to protect your mobile home from strong winds is essential for ensuring your safety and the longevity of your investment. Today, we will explore some practical steps you can take to safeguard your mobile home.
1. Install Wind-Resistant Anchors and Tie-Downs
Anchors and tie-downs are must-haves for mobile homeowners who want to protect their investments from strong winds. These systems securely hold the mobile home to the ground, reducing the risk of it sustaining damage or being overturned by intense winds.
2. Maintain Your Mobile Home’s Skirting
Your mobile home’s skirting plays an essential role in shielding the underside of the structure from the elements. Regularly inspect your skirting for signs of damage, and ensure it is secured to your mobile home. Fortunately, you can prevent your mobile home skirting from blowing away in many ways, so utilize more than one option if you happen to live in an area with particularly strong winds. If you find any issues with your skirting, repair or replace it immediately to restore protection around your mobile home.
3. Invest in Storm Shutters for Your Windows
Another way to protect your mobile home from strong winds is to install storm shutters. They shield the windows from flying debris or water leaks during storms or strong winds. You can also install impact-resistant glass windows or energy-efficient windows. The latter are typically double or triple-paned and are designed with a special coating that reduces heat transfer. Their benefits extend beyond energy savings. Energy-efficient windows are also more durable and resistant to wind pressure than single-paned windows, which are much more common in housing construction.
Consider installing energy-efficient windows if inclement weather is common in your area. Their enhanced structural integrity provides an extra layer of protection against the force of the wind.
In the event of a storm, energy-efficient windows are less likely to break or shatter than other types, reducing the risk of injury from flying glass and preventing wind and rain from entering your home. While energy-efficient windows might require a substantial investment upfront, they could save you money on repair costs and energy bills in the long run.
4. Keep Your Roof in Good Condition
A well-maintained roof can protect your mobile home from strong winds. Inspect your roof regularly and address any issues, such as loose shingles, damaged metal panels, or water leaks. Additionally, consider reinforcing your mobile home’s roof with hurricane straps that fasten the roof to the walls, providing extra wind resistance.
5. Prepare a Wind Emergency Plan
Being prepared for strong winds can make the difference between a safe mobile home and a severely damaged one. Develop a wind emergency plan that includes steps to take before, during, and after strong winds or storms. The plan should include securing outdoor furniture with strong ropes or chains, identifying safe areas in your mobile home, preparing an evacuation plan with multiple possible routes to the nearest shelter, and stocking an emergency supply kit.
