10 Steps to Prepare Your Roof for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season can be a stressful and anxious time for homeowners, especially if you live in an area prone to strong storms and high winds. One of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane is the roof, and it's important to take steps to prepare it for potential storm damage. In this blog post, we'll go over some tips and strategies for preparing your roof for hurricane season, so you can feel more confident and secure in the face of potential storms.

1. Inspect Your Roof Regularly

Before hurricane season begins, it's a good idea to conduct a thorough inspection of your roof. Look for any missing, loose, or damaged shingles, as well as any areas of the roof that may have degraded over time. Pay particular attention to the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights, as these are common areas for leaks to occur. If you find any issues, it's important to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring during a storm.

2. Trim Trees and Branches

If you have trees or large branches near your home, it's important to trim them back before hurricane season. Strong winds can easily knock branches onto your roof, causing significant damage. If you're not comfortable trimming trees yourself, consider hiring a professional tree service to do the job for you.

3. Secure Outdoor Objects

During a hurricane, strong winds can pick up and throw all sorts of debris, including outdoor furniture, grills, and even trash cans. To prevent these objects from becoming projectiles and damaging your roof, it's important to secure them before the storm hits. This can be as simple as bringing them inside or tying them down with heavy-duty straps or ropes.

4. Install Hurricane Straps

Hurricane straps are metal braces that are installed around the perimeter of your roof to help it withstand strong winds. They are especially important if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, as they can help prevent your roof from being blown off entirely. If you don't already have hurricane straps installed, consider having a contractor add them to your home.

5. Install a Roofing Underlayment

A roofing underlayment is a layer of material that is installed under your shingles to provide an extra layer of protection against water damage. During a storm, wind-driven rain can easily seep through damaged shingles and cause leaks, but a roofing underlayment can help prevent this from happening. If you don't already have one installed, consider adding a roofing underlayment to your home before hurricane season.

6. Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean

Gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in keeping water away from your home's foundation, and it's important to keep them clean and in good repair before a storm hits. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and overflow, potentially causing damage to your roof and other parts of your home. Be sure to clear out any leaves, twigs, or other debris from your gutters and downspouts before hurricane season starts.

7. Consider Installing a Roof Reinforcement

A roof reinforcement is a layer of material that is installed over your existing roof to provide extra protection against wind and rain. These products are often made of sturdy materials like metal or reinforced plastic, and they can help your roof withstand strong winds and heavy rain. If you're concerned about the strength and durability of your roof, consider installing a roof reinforcement before hurricane season.

8. Have a Plan in Place

In the event of a storm, it's important to have a plan in place to protect your home and family. This might include having a set of emergency supplies like flashlights, water, and non-perishable food on hand, as well as a backup generator in case of power outages. It's also a good idea to have a list of important phone numbers and documents, such as insurance policies, in a safe and easily accessible place. If you have a basement or other safe space in your home, make sure everyone knows where to go in case of an emergency.

9. Consider Installing a Hurricane-Resistant Roof

If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes and you're concerned about the strength and durability of your current roof, you may want to consider installing a hurricane-resistant roof. These roofs are designed specifically to withstand strong winds and heavy rain, and they can provide an additional level of protection for your home. There are a few different types of hurricane-resistant roofs available, including impact-resistant shingles and metal roofs, so be sure to research your options and choose the one that is best for your home.

10. Know What to Do After the Storm

If your home does sustain damage during a hurricane, it's important to act quickly to minimize further damage. Start by covering any holes or openings in your roof with tarps or plastic sheeting to prevent more water from entering your home. If you have a lot of debris on your roof, it's important to have it removed as soon as possible to prevent water from pooling and causing further damage. If you have any standing water in your home, be sure to pump it out as soon as possible to prevent mold and other issues.

Finally, be sure to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and start the claims process. They will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and help you determine the best course of action.

Conclusion

Preparing your roof for hurricane season is an important step in protecting your home and ensuring your family's safety. By conducting regular inspections, trimming trees and branches, securing outdoor objects, installing hurricane straps and a roofing underlayment, keeping gutters and downspouts clean, and having a plan in place, you can increase the chances of your roof surviving a storm and minimize the risk of water damage. If you're concerned about the strength and durability of your current roof, you may also want to consider installing a hurricane-resistant roof or a roof reinforcement. If your home does sustain damage during a hurricane, be sure to act quickly to minimize further damage and contact your insurance company as soon as possible.