As hurricane season looms in South Texas, protecting your home becomes more than a precaution. It becomes a necessity. For residents of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), preparation can reduce damage in the event of a storm. At NexGen Builders, we specialize in storm-resilient construction for both residential and commercial buildings, offering tailored solutions to help homeowners weather any storm.

Upgrade to impact-resistant windows and doors

Standard glass windows and doors can easily shatter during a storm, allowing wind and water to enter your home and cause extensive damage. Impact-resistant windows and doors can solve this problem. Designed with laminated glass and reinforced frames to hold up against intense pressure and flying debris, they can stop wind and water before it enters your space. Plus, these upgrades offer year-round benefits, including reducing noise, boosting security, and improving energy efficiency.

Beyond their practical advantages, hurricane-rated windows and doors can also lower your insurance costs and increase your property value. In fact, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) reports that properly installed impact-resistant windows can withstand winds up to 200 mph.

Reinforce your roof

A compromised roof can lead to catastrophic interior damage within minutes of hurricane landfall. You must use roofing materials that can handle extreme wind uplift, such as metal roofing systems or high-wind-rated asphalt shingles. Additionally, roofing straps, hurricane clips, and secondary water barriers can provide extra protection beneath the surface.

NexGen Builders goes above and beyond basic code by using advanced roofing techniques tailored for the South Texas climate. Whether you’re building new or replacing an old roof, our team can recommend the best solution to keep your home safe from the top down.

Secure your building with proper anchoring

A continuous load path is a building method that helps keep your home strong and stable during a storm. It works by securely connecting the roof, walls, and foundation so they move together as one unit when strong winds hit. Without this connection, powerful gusts can pull parts of the structure apart, even in newer homes.

At NexGen Builders, we use advanced anchoring systems like steel straps, hurricane ties, and reinforced connectors to create this strong connection. These techniques are especially important in new construction and commercial projects, helping the entire structure stay intact when it matters most.

Invest in storm shutters

While impact windows are the gold standard, storm shutters are a more cost-effective alternative for existing homes. Available in a variety of materials, such as aluminum, steel, polycarbonate, or even fabric, storm shutters protect vulnerable openings by deflecting debris and blocking wind intrusion. Many options now offer quick-deploy features or motorized control for added convenience.

FEMA strongly recommends using shutters rated for hurricane-force winds. When installed properly, they can slash the likelihood of glass breakage and interior damage when a big storm hits. For more information, refer to FEMA’s shutter guide.

Elevate your electrical systems

Flooding doesn’t just damage floors. It can render your entire electrical system inoperable. Stop the damage ahead of time by putting your electrical components out of reach of the water. Ideally, raise all electrical components, including wiring, switches, circuit breakers, and HVAC units, at least one foot above your area’s base flood elevation (BFE). Doing so not only protects your infrastructure but also speeds up recovery if flooding does occur.

In areas like the RGV where flash floods are common, this small adjustment can save thousands in repair costs. In fact, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers resources to help homeowners assess flood risk and take preventive action. Don’t wait until your home suffers damage. Protect it now.

Schedule a professional risk assessment

Even well-built homes may have weak points. A professional risk assessment helps uncover vulnerabilities you might miss, from outdated roofing nails to improperly sealed vents or low-lying garage entrances. It’s a proactive step that allows you to make smart investments before storm warnings are issued.

At NexGen Builders, our planning and design process includes a thorough look at how your future home can withstand severe weather. Whether you’re updating an existing structure or starting from scratch, we help you make storm safety a built-in feature.

Install a backup power source

Power outages are one of the most common and disruptive consequences of hurricanes. Losing electricity can disable critical systems in your home, like refrigerators, air conditioners, medical equipment, and communication devices, just when you need them most. Installing a backup power solution, such as a whole-home generator or solar-powered battery system, keeps you connected even during prolonged outages.

Permanent standby generators automatically activate when the power goes out and can run for days if fueled by propane or natural gas. Portable generators, while more affordable, require manual setup and strict safety precautions. If you’re considering solar, many systems now include battery storage options that offer silent, emission-free backup power.

Reliable power can also keep your sump pump running to prevent flooding, maintain lighting for safety, and allow you to stay informed through emergency broadcasts. For guidance on generator safety and installation, check the U.S. Department of Energy’s overview.

Build resilience with NexGen Builders

From custom residential homes to large-scale commercial developments, NexGen Builders integrates storm-resistance into every project. Our teams prioritize materials and building practices proven to withstand South Texas weather, giving you peace of mind all year long. Schedule a consultation to get your project started.