Does The 'Home Hardening' Trend Really Protect Your House? How To Tell If It's Worth The Cost

The concept of "home hardening" has become a popular trend as of late. But like any home trend that could cost you thousands, it's best to research whether or not it's worth your hard-earned money. With that in mind, we asked the most important question of all: Will home hardening actually weatherproof your house? To get the right answer, House Digest went straight to the source and conducted an exclusive interview with Chris Murphy, founder of Waterfront Homes, LLC, which specializes in waterfront, second homes, and short-term rentals across Washington State.

Murphy said you should pay close attention to the roof in hurricane-prone areas like Florida, Louisiana, or the Gulf Coast. "Wind-resistant roofing, impact-rated windows, and storm shutters are extremely useful because high winds and flying debris are the primary sources of damage," he explained. On the other side of the United States — the Pacific Northwest, to be exact — Murphy shared that the real issues are with heavy rain and flooding, which means that you want to protect against water more so than wind. 

It's also not just waterfront properties that can benefit from some weatherproofing. "In wildfire-prone areas like California, Colorado, or Oregon, fire-resistant roofing, siding, and defensible landscaping are top priorities," Murphy said. He also stressed that you really want to tailor your upgrades to your location and protect against the specific hazards you may face. Unfortunately this is not really a one-size-fits-all kind of situation — Murphy acknowledged that no upgrade will be "universally ideal."

When taking on any home renovation, most of us are concerned not only with how it will affect our home in the present but also with how it might increase its value in the future. In an exclusive interview, Chris Murphy told House Digest that "home hardening" upgrades definitely can have a positive impact on your abode's resale value — but it's not guaranteed. "The impact on resale value depends on the type of home, location, and buyer awareness," he explained. "In high-risk areas, buyers are increasingly aware of the importance of weather resilience." According to Murphy, upgrades that enhance structural safety (such as reinforced roofs, impact windows, and elevated systems) can increase a property's market value, justifying a higher price. "Homes with documented flood mitigation or wildfire-resistant improvements may also sell faster because they reduce a potential buyer's perceived risk," he added. One way to protect your home during a storm is by using flood vents. 

Murphy went on to say that the upgrades that offer the greatest value in the long term are those that are intended to prevent catastrophic loss — think hurricane-rated doors and windows, roof reinforcements, and foundation waterproofing. These generally see higher returns because they have a direct impact on reducing damage and insurance risk. In waterfront properties, Murphy said that things that protect the land, such as drainage systems and seawalls, can be the most sound investment."They protect the land itself, which is a core part of the home's value," he explained. "That said, the return on investment can vary by region, market conditions, and the quality of installation." Though you may not be able to completely prevent damage, you can at least hurricane-proof your home to some extent. 

If you don't have the time, money, or interest in taking on a full-fledged home renovation, the good news is that there are actually quite a few smaller projects that can still help protect your home and property. Speaking exclusively with House Digest, Chris Murphy said "clearing gutters and downspouts, trimming overhanging tree branches, and checking roof flashings can all help prevent water intrusion." For those who deal with wind-driven rain looking for inexpensive solutions, he recommended sealing windows with weather stripping and installing door sweeps. "Even basic landscaping adjustments, like redirecting water flow away from foundations or using sandbags in flood-prone areas, can help reduce damage at minimal cost," Murphy added.

When it comes to the oceanside waterfront homes, Murphy mentioned that it's not just preventing flooding that is important — you also need to protect your belongings. "For coastal homes, keeping critical items elevated, storing important documents in waterproof containers, and securing outdoor furniture and boats ahead of storms can reduce both damage and recovery costs," he said. Murphy acknowledged that these smaller projects may not have quite the extensive effect that major structural upgrades do. With that said, they can provide the best cost-to-benefit ratio for people who want to protect their home without spending a small fortune. Even if you don't live near the water, a windy enough day can blow your patio furniture away, so be sure to secure each piece to the ground. 

Not every upgrade will be as useful for you as it is for the next person, so you will want to be cautious. In general, the practical upgrades will give you more bang for your buck than the aesthetic ones. "For example, decorative shutters that are not impact-rated may look nice, but they will not stop flying debris in a storm," Chris Murphy told House Digest in our exclusive chat. "Minor renovations like upgrading any interior finishes or doing landscaping that do not directly address drainage won't help much." 

Murphy also mentioned that it is important not only to consider the initial cost of installation but also the broader cost of maintenance, as certain systems will need continuous care in order to remain functional. "For instance, certain flood pumps or temporary barriers may seem protective, but without proper maintenance or integration into a broader strategy, they can fail when needed most," he explained. Investing in "fewer, high-impact upgrades that directly address structural vulnerabilities" is the way to go, Murphy said, as opposed to spreading your budget thin across less effective measures. Before you decide what route is best for you, your best course of action is to do your research into the needs of your area as well as the reach of your budget.