Hurricanes are an inevitable part of Florida living, hence the absolute need to prepare for them. Being in a high-risk hurricane zone, Riverview has recorded 71 hurricanes since 1930.
Local residents are constantly taking precautionary measures to manage these natural disasters. Hurricane season roof prep entails proactively safeguarding your home—starting with the roof—from catastrophic damage. There are several vital steps to adopt to prepare your roof for the hurricane season. Certified Roofers & General Contractors, Inc. has compiled a guide on how to protect your roofing against unfavorable weather conditions. Let’s dive in!
Top Tips For Hurricane Season Roof Prep
Is there an impending hurricane? You need to swing into action. Your roofing should be the first element you protect against a storm, as its highly exposed location and large surface area make it the most prone to wind and rain damage.
Below are the most effective steps to take to prepare your roof for a hurricane:
1. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
It is often said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Professionals advise you to get your roof inspected at least twice a year. Are you searching for reliable “roofing companies near me” to inspect your roof? Certified Roofers offers a free, no-obligation roof inspection.
Consult a roofing contractor to check your roof for punctures, holes, and cracked shingles. The expert will also inspect the gutters and chimneys attached to the roof, providing detailed inspection notes and actionable recommendations that will improve the overall shelf life of the roof.
2. Adopt a Regular Maintenance Routine
Ensure your roof is frequently maintained so it can withstand harsh conditions. One of the most important tasks is trimming surrounding trees, as they are quite harmful to the roofing system during high winds. You have probably noticed heavy tree branches scattered across the streets and yards after a hurricane. If these branches are not trimmed or removed beforehand, they can easily crush your roof. It is ideal to cut them back well before hurricane season begins.
3. Clean Your Drainage Systems
Your roof’s drainage system is crucial to its protection. Torrential rain always accompanies hurricanes, and in the absence of a clean, functioning gutter system, water can quickly back up and leak through the roof deck, severely damaging the interior of your home. Ensure your gutters are well-cleaned and completely unclogged for the easy flow of water.
4. Install Hurricane Straps
Also referred to as “roof tie-downs” or hurricane clips, hurricane straps have become a staple in modern Florida building codes. Even if you are searching for “roofing companies near me” for basic repairs, most experts will now recommend these to clients.
If your home has been standing for many decades, it may not have these crucial straps installed. Ideal for tropical, storm-prone regions, hurricane straps are essential steel brackets you should consider installing to physically anchor your roof to your home’s walls during a hurricane.
5. Review Your Insurance Policy
Insurance is a proactive means to secure your home financially during hurricane season. You do not need to worry as much about the cost of sudden roof damage when your home is adequately insured. Review your current policy to ensure you have optimal coverage that will fully cover your home, including a total roof replacement if necessary.
Are You a Proactive Homeowner?
It is best to take necessary measures before the hurricane season rather than having to wait for a storm to hit. With regular inspections and the adoption of these beneficial tips, your home is much safer from damage. Your roof is an essential part of your home—ensure it is in good shape.
Contact Your Local Riverview Roofing Experts
Are you looking for “roofing companies near me”? Certified Roofers & General Contractors, Inc. has a long-standing reputation for providing the best services in the area. We specialize in roof replacement, hurricane season roof prep, roof repair, and handling insurance claims.
Contact us in Riverview today at (813) 643-8333 for a free quote!
