Protecting Your Home From Weather Damage (NAPSA)—The Home Doctor offers answers to timely building questions. Q: In light of the volatility of recent weather patterns, how can I help protect my biggest investment—my home—from nature's unpredictability? A: Your question reflects a lot of home and property owners’ concerns. The busiest hurricane season since 1933 surfaced several serious issues, including global weather patterns, quality construction and community preparedness, to name a few. While there are no quick fixes to any of these issues, one thing is certain—weather happens. And for homeowners, this can some- times be devastating. Fortunately, some long-term investments can be made to help maintain a home’s strength and increase its value. I suggest you look first into exterior upgrades. Asphalt roofing is now being manufactured to meet impact-resistance testing. Shingles such as CertainTeed's Landmark” TL Ultimate (Impact Resistant) have been tested by Underwriters Laboratories to endure high levels of impact. In fact, homeowners who have impact-resistant shingles installed maybeeligible for insurance premium reductions depending on the location of their property and their insurer. Another safeguard to consider b Exterior upgrades can help protect a home in the event of dangerous weather. is exterior cladding designed with the weather in mind. For instance, Millenniumvinyl siding, also by CertainTeed, comes with a unique “Won’t Blow Off” warranty and has proven to resist being torn from the home during severe weather conditions. You may also look for insulated vinyl siding, which can increase a home’s Rvalue to help keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Installing ENERGY StTAR-rated replacement vinyl windows is another smart investment. And,if you live on the coast, you now have the option to select windows with impact-resistant glass. Visit www.certainteed.com or call 800-782-8777 to learn more about building materials that will help your home maintain its integrity and value for years to come.
