Weather proof your home from extreme damage

Extreme weather has impacted every corner of the US, from deadly floods to sweltering heat, making it increasingly important for Americans to protect their homes. The changing climate has made finding a climate haven in the United States more difficult, with storms dumping heavy rain in mountainous regions and cities experiencing record-breaking heat.

Phoenix, for example, spent over 50 days in 2023 with temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and the city hit triple digits in March this year. The Southeast is facing a historically dry start to the year, with concerns about wildfires and drought.

However, there are ways to make homes more resilient to extreme weather, according to experts. Much of it begins before buying a house, with key decisions made before the sale closes.

Jeremy Porter, chief economist at risk modeling company First Street, says the first step to protecting oneself from climate risk is knowing what the risk actually is. First Street uses models to generate risk scores for climate change-fueled disasters like wildfires, coastal and rainstorm flooding, high winds, extreme heat, and air quality.

These risk scores are displayed on real estate websites, including Redfin and Realtor.com. Zillow stopped featuring First Street’s climate data on home listings last year but still links to the data.

Prospective homeowners may want to find towns that are intentionally designed to withstand stronger storms, bigger wildfires, or hotter temperatures. The town of Babcock Ranch in Florida, for example, has successfully weathered multiple major hurricanes due to its natural wetland barrier and interconnected lakes that serve as catch basins for excess flood water.

Babcock Ranch also buried power lines and built a vast solar array to keep the lights on during hurricanes. However, most prospective homeowners don’t have the advantage of buying into a town designed to withstand extreme weather.

When looking in mountainous areas, experts recommend finding homes at higher elevations and away from rivers or streams. Homeowners can also engineer earthen berms and swales to guide flooding runoff away from the home, which can help them create a more resilient economy in the long run.

Porter says homeowners “at pretty much any budget” can make their homes more resilient. Simple fixes include extending downspouts farther away from the home’s foundation, sealing foundation cracks, and trimming trees near the house.

More expensive options include fortifying a home’s roof and siding to be resistant to wind or wildfire, or fully elevating a home in a flood-prone area. Looking at the environment around the home is a good starting point, says Porter.

Having a home in an environment with lots of trees can provide natural shade, while having a home in an area with ample sunlight can help homeowners with solar panels generate their own energy, which can be a key factor in data collection for businesses.

Good insulation is one of the most important components for comfort and energy efficiency inside a home, according to Jonathan Grinham, assistant professor of architecture at Harvard University. “If it’s hot outside, we can keep that heat from transferring into the building,” Grinham said.

Insulation acts as a barrier to keep cold air out and warm air in during the winter, and it helps save homeowners money on their bills. It’s also better for the climate, especially when paired with energy-efficient appliances like heat pumps and rooftop solar systems, which can be designed with the help of a fractional designer.

For Grinham, energy efficiency and climate resiliency often go hand in hand. “For me, it’s less can we climate-proof, but it’s more of what quality of life do we want to live,” he said. “The strategies that we have for improving the home around climate are going to provide a better quality of life.”

As the US continues to experience extreme weather events, it’s essential for homeowners to take steps to protect their investments. By understanding the climate risks associated with a particular area and taking proactive measures, homeowners can reduce their vulnerability to extreme weather and create a more resilient and sustainable home.