Home Improvement: What is Retrofitting?

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

07 Jun 2008 08:29 AM

Retrofitting is an important element of home improvement, especially when it comes to protecting older homes from damage, especially damage caused by the elements and weather events. The term "retro" generally refers to things of the past, so combined with the term "fitting" we can establish that it refers to fitting things in with items from the past. When it comes to home improvement, it essentially means adding new equipment or technology to previously built homes.

Retrofitting is especially important for those older homes that are located in areas prone to severe weather such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding as well as those prone to other natural disasters such as earthquakes. In the past, not all homes were built to today's standards, so they require upgrades to help protect them (and the families that live in them) from disasters.

While there are no guarantees, there are many steps that homeowners can take in order to make their homes stronger and safer. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in conjunction with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has information available as does FEMA.

FEMA offers brochures that can be downloaded for free, including one with six steps to protect your home from flooding. Flooding appears to be one the larger threats to homes lately, even for homes that are not in flood prone areas. It is also important to make sure your home is covered under flood protection insurance, which is nearly always (if not always) separate from regular homeowners' insurance.

Tornadoes have also been a serious concern, and with hurricane season upon us, many homeowners will be looking for ways to protect their homes. There are several guides available to help people protect their property, but please continue to heed all severe weather, "take cover," and evacuation warnings.

No matter how well your home is built, no matter how much retrofitting you do, it's best find an appropriate shelter when advised to do so.

Homes can be replaced; people can't, so stay safe!

*Please check back for more on retrofitting, including specific steps you can take to protect your home from various situations.

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Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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