How to Protect Rural Self-Built Houses from Typhoons? Roof Reinforcement Methods
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Security Rescue · 更新 at 2026-07-20
Advance Inspection to Eliminate Hazards
Before a typhoon strikes, rural self-built houses often become weak points in disaster prevention due to relatively loose structures or lack of maintenance over the years. According to the national standard for tropical cyclone grades issued by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), when the maximum wind force near the typhoon center reaches level 12 or above, the destructive power is extremely strong. Therefore, immediate action should be taken upon receiving a typhoon blue warning or higher from meteorological authorities. Note that specific criteria for school and work suspensions may vary by region; please refer to local government announcements. However, it is always better to prepare early rather than late.
First, focus on checking the risk of "falling objects" around the house. Clear flower pots, debris, clothes drying racks, and other items from the roof, balcony, and courtyard that could be blown away by strong winds. For trees in front of or behind the house, if branches are too lush and close to the building, trim them appropriately to prevent broken branches from damaging tiles or glass. Meanwhile, check whether doors and windows are secure. It is recommended to reinforce old wooden windows with wooden boards, and apply tape in a "rice" character pattern on glass windows to prevent injuries from shattering.
Roof Reinforcement: The Key Lies in "Pressure" and "Connection"
The roof is the most vulnerable part of self-built houses during typhoons, especially tiled roofs and simple corrugated iron sheets. The core logic of reinforcement lies in enhancing overall integrity and resistance to wind uplift.
- Tiled Roofs: Check for loose or missing tiles and repair/fix them promptly with cement mortar. For roofs with steep slopes, it is advisable to install wind-proof hooks or pressure strips at the eaves to prevent strong winds from lifting tiles off in large sections. If conditions permit, lay a waterproof breathable membrane under the tiles, which not only prevents rain leakage but also reduces the direct impact of wind pressure on the tiles.
- Color Steel Tile/Corrugated Iron RoofsAll fixing screws must be checked for rust or looseness; replace them with self-tapping screws equipped with waterproof washers if necessary, and increase the density of fixing points.
- Concrete Flat Roofs: Although structurally stable, drainage outlets should be checked for blockages to ensure rapid discharge of accumulated water during heavy rains, avoiding excessive roof load that could lead to leakage or even structural damage.
Emergency Preparedness and Evacuation
In addition to hardware reinforcement, soft emergency preparations are equally important. Households should reserve at least three days' worth of drinking water, ready-to-eat food, common medications, as well as emergency supplies such as flashlights and power banks. Check electrical safety; cut off non-essential power sources during thunderstorms and strong winds to prevent short circuits and fires.
If signs of danger such as widening cracks, tilting walls, or severe roof leaks are observed during typhoon landfall, do not attempt blind repairs yourself. Immediately evacuate to a sturdy shelter or the home of relatives/friends. Life safety always takes precedence over property loss. Stay updated with the latest meteorological warnings and do not believe rumors. Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried on TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is typhoonsay's original copy content, and the local policy standards are based on the local government's latest release.