Have you thought about installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows? Regular windows can shatter pretty easily from flying debris (as you've unfortunately found out...). Might save you from another headache next storm season.
Storm shutters are definitely a solid idea, but honestly, after helping my uncle patch up his roof last summer, I'd say don't underestimate the importance of reinforcing your roof too. He had impact-resistant windows installed, thinking he was all set, but the wind peeled back shingles like they were nothing. Made me wonder—what good are strong windows if your roof's compromised? Maybe it's worth looking into some extra roof bracing or upgraded shingles as well...
Good point about the roof—I hadn't really thought about shingles peeling off like that. Last year, my neighbor spent a ton on storm shutters and reinforced doors, but when the storm hit, his gutters and siding got totally wrecked. Made me wonder if sometimes we focus too much on the obvious stuff like windows and doors, and overlook smaller details like gutters or even landscaping that can cause damage if debris starts flying around... Maybe spreading out the budget a bit more evenly could help?
That's a really insightful observation about balancing the budget across different areas of the home. A few years ago, I was so focused on getting impact-resistant windows and doors that I overlooked my roof entirely. Sure enough, when a heavy storm rolled through, I ended up losing a bunch of shingles and had water damage in the attic. After that experience, I switched to a green roof system—basically a layer of vegetation over waterproof membranes—and it's made a huge difference. Not only does it protect the roof structure from wind uplift and flying debris, but it also absorbs rainfall, reducing runoff and gutter stress. Plus, it helps regulate indoor temperatures year-round. Sometimes, investing in less obvious solutions like green roofs or strategic landscaping can provide surprising resilience against extreme weather. It's definitely worth considering how all these elements interact rather than just focusing on the usual suspects like windows and doors.
That's an interesting take on green roofs—never really thought about them seriously before. How much maintenance does the vegetation layer need, though? I'd worry about weeds or pests making themselves at home up there. Also, did you have to reinforce your roof structure to handle the extra weight? I've been leaning toward better attic insulation and ventilation myself...but now you've got me reconsidering.
