How We Handled Hurricane Florence

October 11, 2018

Hurricane Florence struck North and South Carolina on September 14. Residents watched the path of the life-threatening, category 4 storm, and braced for winds of up to 130 miles per hour and flooding from the pummeling rains. As a homebuilder, McGuinn Hybrid Homes had to prepare for Florence, protecting our employees and the homes under construction for our homebuyers. As soon as we heard about the impending hurricane, the McGuinn Hybrid Homes’ crews jumped into action, following the protocol we have for these situations. Every construction site shifted from building to protecting the homes and the areas around them. A lot of these materials can become a dangerous projectile when powerful winds whip through, so we have to secure everything. Homes that are in the early stages of construction—before the framing is done—are preparing to build, so it’s mostly materials that need to be protected. Our crews brace off and tie down everything. The materials can get wet; we give them time to dry before covering them up after the storm passes. The middle stages present the biggest challenge when preparing for a storm. We’ve already begun to install the interior and exterior finishes. We could have many unprotected products inside the home. Our team boards up doorways and garages to secure the home. Homes in the final stages are the easiest to secure. We can close them up as a homeowner would do, and trust that our construction practices weather the storm. Roof lifting is one of the biggest causes of damage during heavy storms. McGuinn Hybrid Homes incorporates hurricane clips during the framing process. These clips secure the roof to the walls at each end of every truss. The waterproof house wrap and envelope we install on the exterior of the home is the best defense against the storm. Unfortunately, hurricane winds can force water into areas that would not normally be permeated, so we can never be 100% resistant to it. ,We can only put 100% of our knowledge and effort into the best defense! When Hurricane Florence hit the Columbia, SC, area, it had been downgraded to a category 1 hurricane. There was still flooding and wind damage, but overall, our preparedness paid off. Some flying debris broke glass here and there, and the heavy rains caused soil erosion, which happens after any major rainstorm. Most importantly, everyone was safe. McGuinn Hybrid Homes’ team was on the job the very next day—cleaning up, making repairs, and so very thankful we safely, successfully navigated the emergency, You can’t anticipate natural disasters, but you can plan ahead to be ready. Make sure your home is built to stay strong during a big storm. McGuinn Hybrid Homes makes sure that every one of our homeowners has this confidence. When you’re ready for a new townhome or single-family home, see what we have to offer. We build communities of new construction homes and townhomes in Columbia and the surrounding cities and towns, and McGuinn Hybrid Homes will also build a home on your land. We’re a local homebuilder, part of the Columbia community for 33 years. Come talk to us to make the move toward a safer, more energy efficient home for you and your family.