Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season

We are just a month into hurricane season and we are beginning to watch for potential tropical storms. This time of year, many of prepare for storm season by making sure we are prepared with flashlights, water, and non-perishable food. Often the most important things are forgotten such as making sure your home is able to protect you and your family. During a hurricane your roof can be exposed to winds in excess of 155 mph. These winds have the potential to pull off roof shingles, tiles, or even the underlying roof deck. This is why we suggest checking the condition of your roof before a storm happens as well as after. A well-maintained roof is your best bet against hurricane winds.We have some tips to make some you and your home are prepared for the potential storms.
 
1. Get a Professional Roof Inspection
Contact a roof specialist to help you inspect your roof. A specialist has the knowledge and experience to find faults in the roof and determine whether it can handle a hurricane. The contractor will inspect the interior to determine whether the roof has been weakened by moisture and molds. He will also check for loose shingles, leaks and cracked caulk. You will then receive a detailed report after the inspection. The report may include his recommendations, life expectancy estimate and the cost of repairs.

2. Survey Fascia and Soffit Boards 
Take the time to walk the perimeter of your property and survey the fascia boards and the soffit boards. Fascia boards are located just below the metal trim of the roof and soffit boards are located below the roof overhang areas. Any signs of rotten wood in this area may indicate a potential problem during a hurricane. Making sure these roof areas are repaired will help secure the structure from possible wind damage at the eaves.
 
3. Fix Any Loose Shingles 
To reduce the chances of losing shingles by high winds, it is best to give attention to any missing, damaged, or loose shingles as these will increase the likelihood of water penetrating deeper into the roof.
 
4. Clean Your Gutter and Drainage Systems 
The drainage system plays a major role in mitigating storm damage. A hurricane comes with rain capable of causing serious damage. You want to make sure your gutters and drainage systems are free to conduct water effectively in the event of a storm. Get rid of all the debris from the drainage systems. Ensure the gutters are clear so that the rainwater can flow through them easily. You may need a roofing contractor to help you clean the gutters effectively.

5. Secure any Loose Yard Furniture 
Your furniture and yard decorations can easily become flying projectiles that could damage your roof. We suggest tying them down or moving them indoors to the so they don’t get loose and damage the roof.
 
6. Trim Any Low Hanging or Dead Branches 
High winds can break even the largest of tree limbs as easily as snapping a toothpick in half. It may seem obvious to trim the trees that overhang your roof, but it is also a good idea to have all off the trees surrounding your home trimmed just in case.
 
7. Have Repair Supplies Ready 
After a storm, roofers run into a major supply shortage. Tarps are a rare find during this time and unfortunately, they are a major necessity. Your best bet is to purchase tarps before the storm that way you are prepared. This will also allow you to patch your roof in the event that it gts damage and there are more days of the storm to come. 
 
8. Review Your Insurance Policy 
​You need to review your insurance policy and make sure it will cover the full cost of construction in case you lose the house in a hurricane. Make sure the insurance covers up to the cost of roofing. Some insurance companies do not cover residential roofing, so you need to check with your provider first. Apart from roofing insurance, you need to determine if you are covered by floods. Some people cover their houses against hurricanes and ignore the flood that usually follows.