Roofs are one of the most common things that can get damaged by hurricanes, so this is one step you shouldn’t afford to skip. Not preparing your roof for hurricane season can lead to all kinds of damage caused by water, wind, projectiles, and mold. The Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1st and continues through November 30th, so you should start your preparation in late April and have it completed by early May.
There have been times when hurricanes come before the official season has started, which is why you should look at the weather reports in case a storm manages to make its way to your area. You should also do what you can to buy materials in the months before the start of the hurricane season because once a hurricane is about to come through a specific area, people are getting ready to stock up (which could leave you with nothing but empty shelves and no way to prepare).
The Types of Damage Hurricanes Can Cause
Hurricanes can cause all kinds of damage, with two of the most common resulting from wind and rain. Wind speeds can go from 74 mph to well above 157 mph (depending on the strength of the hurricane), and there’s always the possibility for tornadoes. This deadly combination can lead to flying debris, which could cause impact damage. It can even tear your house off its foundation.
Water can affect your roof after the hurricane has passed, which can cause mold to grow in unlikely places. This can make you and your family sick by causing long-term lung damage. Water can also damage the structure of your home (including your roof) by degrading the materials that are used to hold it together.
What You Can Do to Prepare Your Roof for a Hurricane
Here is a list of things you can do to prepare your roof for a hurricane:
- Schedule a roof inspection —While you could use the internet to find the information you need, a roof inspector will know exactly what to look for. Little things that you may not notice can be identified by a professional.
- Secure yard furniture and any potential projectiles — Nothing is worse than seeing a trampoline you spent a lot of money on fly through the air, but even smaller furniture and tools can become deadly if they’re exposed to hurricane-force winds. Make sure you move any loose objects inside your garage or shed, and any larger items that can’t be moved should be secured.
- Fix any loose shingles or tiles — Loose shingles or tiles can come off once a hurricane hits, which can cause more damage as they become projectiles. It can also leave your home more prone to damage, as the shingles and tiles are no longer there to protect these areas. That’s why you should have them fixed before hurricane season.
- Trim trees and clear debris near your home — While the shade of a large tree may be nice in the summer, seeing it land on your home during a hurricane is a lot less pleasant. Having too many branches near your roof can also be a problem, which is why you should have it taken care of before hurricane season.
- Have a tarp on hand — You can use a tarp to cover your roof, so you can make sure any shingles or tiles don’t come off or get loose during a hurricane. In fact, it should be your first line of defense against severe weather and flying debris. It can also be used to cover equipment, sheds, pools, and swing sets.
- Have roof straps installed or repaired — These metal straps can be placed over the trusses or rafters of your roof, so the ceiling and roof can be held together. This arrangement will make it harder for the wind of a hurricane to remove the roof from your home.
- Schedule any repairs you have been putting off — Hurricanes can turn minor cracks and leaks into major problems, because the issue can be exacerbated by extreme weather. If you’re already missing a few shingles or know of a preexisting leak, you should contact a professional to get it taken care of.
- Cover any skylights — Because they’re made of a few inches of glass that can get easily cracked, shattered, or even blown off, skylights are one of the most susceptible areas for roof damage. They also lead directly into your house. If you don’t have a separate covering in place before a hurricane hits, it can lead to water damage.
If you’re looking for one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi to help you prepare your roof for hurricane season, be sure to reach out to B. Ramirez Roofing.