In our last post we covered how to winterize your boat house so that severe winter weather like the ice and snow storm the Houston area saw recently could be protected.
Severe thunderstorms, are, of course, far more common. High-wind thunderstorms, sudden squalls, and hurricane force winds are common.
And your boathouse is vulnerable.
Want it to survive the next pop-up storm? Take these steps.
Manage the “Sail Effect.”
What is the sail effect?
Boathouses act like giant “sails” on the water. They’re vulnerable to uplift and lateral pressure.
To combat this effect:
- Raise the vessel. Always raise your boat to the highest possible point on the lift. This keeps it away from turbulent wave action and floating debris.
- Clear the decks. Remove life jackets, cushions, covers, and furniture. Any or all of these objects can become damaging projectiles in 60 mph winds. Secure them inside a dock box, or within the boat itself.
Doesn’t raising the boat put more stress on the pilings?
If a storm brings extreme wind but no surge, some homeowners worry raising the boat will put more stress on the pilings. But most Houston homeowners are on the lake or the bay. In those environments, avoiding wave slams is still the better bet.
Account for Surges, Debris, and Drainage
How can you prepare for high water and big debris dumps?
Houston thunderstorms often dump inches of rain in a matter of minutes. They toss big branches and large logs into the water and through the air.
Protect your boathouse by:
- Clearing boathouse gutters to make sure that heavy water doesn’t get trapped on one side of the roof. Too much weight can cause structural leaning.
- Check your bulkhead and pilings for damage after the storm, since debris might have slammed into it during the storm. Get repairs if necessary.
Account for Wind Damage
How can you protect your Houston boathouse against wind damage?
Thunderstorms often bring sudden vertical gusts. To protect your boathouse:
- Check for the presence of metal hurricane ties or straps that connect the rafters to the headers. If they aren’t there, have them installed.
- Keep your roof in good repair. A single loose roofing panel can peel back the entire roof in a single microburst.
- Ensure all bolts are galvanized and tightened.
You can’t stop the storm. You can prepare.
A well-maintained boathouse can make the difference between some minor clean-up work after the storm and a major insurance claim that demands a full replacement job.
Is your boathouse old? Not sure it’s up to the challenge of next year’s storm weather? Now’s the perfect time to schedule a free quote on a brand new boathouse or dock! Contact Dream Boat Docks to get started today.
