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How To Design A More Weather-Resistant Home

If you are in an area that experiences extreme weather, or if you just want your house to be more durable and efficient, there are always ways you can improve the weather-resistant properties of your home.  New homes have more options than ever to create weather-resistant exteriors.
ICF Construction
Insulated Concrete Form construction is when a series of forms are used to build a home or building with concrete-encased rigid insulation.  ICF construction is well-liked due to its weather-resistant properties, as well as being energy-efficient, fire resistant, sound insulating, incredibly strong, and impervious to pests.  There are many ICF construction techniques, but they all have the same incredible benefits.
New Construction

There are more options than just metal or wood studs in new home construction now, and if you are in an area with extreme weather, builders are better equipped than ever.  Homes that are shaped like domes can withstand nearly every kind of weather disaster imaginable, while other homes are designed specifically for floods, tsunamis, and even forest fires.  Depending on the type of extreme weather you’re facing, you will want different types of construction techniques used in your home.

Continuous Insulation

If you want the most energy-efficient home, as well as increased weather resistance, you should consider continuous insulation.  Continuous insulation means your entire home is insulated, without gaps.  This is particularly important in areas such as your basement, which may be vulnerable to excess moisture from severe weather without it.  A lack of insulation can cause condensation in cold areas, which can, in turn, create mold and mildew.  Mold and mildew is a surprising problem in new home construction and can be an expensive issue to fix.  Mold can also affect your health, so its especially important to avoid.

Drainage Improvements

Drainage is incredibly important, providing protection from severe weather such as excessive rain or snow, and preventing erosion and damage to your foundation.  There are many ways to make a lawn drainage system look more appealing, from permeable grass paving to hiding the drainage system within the landscaping.  Drainage can also be aided by gutter covers, as well as changing the landscaping around your home, and perhaps even your driveway.  With so many options, there is always a way to make the drainage improvements around your home both functional and beautiful.

Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are designed to withstand heat and cold, as well as harsh weather conditions such as hail, tornadoes, and high winds.  They are fire and pest resistant and increase your home’s value.  metal roofs come in any color imaginable, and last much longer than traditional roofs.  You can also change the slope of your roof if you live in an area susceptible to high winds since different roof slopes perform considerably better against tornado-strength winds.  Lowering the slant of the slope, as well as the addition of more slopes (a hip slope instead of a gable slope) can create a more stable roof in areas with high winds.
Impact Resistant Windows and Doors
If you are in an area that is prone to high winds or hail, you may want to consider using impact-resistant windows and doors.  This protects your home from both hail damage, as well as debris that may impact your homes during high winds.  If your home is in an area that may experience such impacts, it is worth the investment to get impact-resistant windows and doors, as a broken window does not only create broken glass to clean up but may also cause water damage that can be extremely expensive to fix.

Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the home building materials industry.  He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.