Preparing Your Roof for Hurricane Season

Your roof is the most significant feature of your home. It stabilizes the structural integrity of your home while protecting your family and treasures from outside weather. But as reliable and durable as your roof may appear to be, it is not indestructible. And if you reside along the southeast or gulf coast, you know that hurricanes can be especially destructive.  The roof is often the first point of impact when a hurricane strikes. Hurricane-force winds can easily blow some of the shingles directly off the roof, exposing the underlayment to moisture that can further damage and weaken the roof deck. Here are some valuable tips to prepare your roof for hurricane season.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

The first step is to schedule a roof inspection to assess the current condition of your roof. Even if your roof is only a few years old, it may have deteriorated over time. The stress of extreme weather can accelerate deterioration, making it more vulnerable to hurricane damage. An inspection by a knowledgeable and experienced roofing professional will detect early signs of wear and tear. If there are any issues, you will have time to make necessary repairs before the hurricane season.

Clean Your Gutters

The gutters are responsible for preventing rainwater from collecting on the roof. That’s why it is essential to ensure they are completely clean of leaves and debris, before and after any significant weather event. When the gutter is full of trash, it will allow water to pool on your roof. The additional weight can damage the roof causing water to leak into your home.

Install Roof Straps

An intense hurricane with damaging winds can rip off your roof, causing thousands of dollars in property damage. Roof straps do for the roof what hurricane shutters do for the windows. They provide additional support in preventing roof damage during a hurricane. Your roofing contractor will best determine whether your roof needs these tie downs.

Consider a Metal Roof

Homeowners residing in hurricane-prone areas can benefit from a metal roof. Metal roofs are growing in popularity due to their natural resistance against fire, wind, water, and pests. Previous investigations of hurricane damage have revealed that some metal roofs provide enough resistance against extremely high winds, according to FEMA. But not all metal roofs offer the same strength. A metal roof rated for 90 mph winds can blow off during 140 mph winds. So, it’s imperative to know the wind resistance rating when installing a metal roof. And for the best protection, only trust a roofing contractor with extensive experience in installing metal roofs and metal roof replacements.