Hurricanes can wreak havoc on your roof. With the high winds, roofs are very susceptible to experiencing serious damage or being completely destroyed during these storms. While there is no such thing as a hurricane-proof roof, you can do plenty of things to protect it. Here are a few tips to help get your roof ready for hurricane season.
How To Protect Your Roof During Hurricane Season
When you want to keep your roof secure during hurricane season, you need to prepare. Make sure to follow these steps to help protect your roof.
Get an Inspection from a Professional Roofing Company
Before the start of summer, you will want to have your roof inspected. In fact, you should schedule at least two inspections per year. Hurricane season usually begins around June 1, and you want to ensure your roof is in top shape. With an inspection, the roofing company can look for potential problems, such as missing shingles or bent flashing. Those minor issues can cause significant damage during a hurricane. Roofers will inspect these spots to ensure everything is secure before the upcoming season.
Along with an inspection, think about routine maintenance as well. An NJ roofing contractor will often perform maintenance and inspect the roof simultaneously, saving you time and money.
Add or Inspect Hurricane Ties
In many hurricane-prone areas, hurricane ties are added to the roof. These ties strengthen the connection between the home’s structure and the roof’s trusses. Hurricane ties can help to prevent the roof from blowing off in very high winds. If you already have hurricane ties, make sure the roofing company inspects them during their biannual checkup of your roof. Damaged hurricane ties are useless in a strong storm.
Address Roof Repairs
If you need to make any roofing repairs, do them before the hurricane season. Even minor issues can cause significant problems during these storms. You will want to ensure all the roof’s critical components are not leaking, such as the vents. A leaking vent can cause water damage throughout your home and be costly to repair. When there are signs of damage, you will want to have them fixed as soon as possible.
Protect Your Skylights
Hurricanes are storms with high winds. Skylights are vulnerable during these storms, and you will want to inspect and protect them. Most modern skylights are made with plastic or tempered glass, meaning they can resist wind to a point. However, they can still become damaged by projectiles. Some hurricane-resistant skylights have a higher wind resistance than other options on the market. You can cover these components with plywood, a metal cage, or another structure to protect the skylight from wind damage.
Gather Roof Documentation
Before the hurricane season, you should take some photos of your roof. Make sure to snap a few pics from multiple angles. You will also want to take pictures of several points of interest, including skylights and chimneys. Save the photos and store them in a secure area. You can scan and save digital copies of any warranties associated with your roof, including those from the installation company and manufacturer.
Store Potential Projectiles
Any loose object around your property can become a projectile in a hurricane. These items can damage your windows, siding, and roof. You will want to bring in any lawn furniture, children’s toys, or anything else that could be launched in hurricane-force winds.
Check Your Home Insurance
Another way to protect your home and roof is to check the insurance policies. Some policies will exclude any flooding or hurricane damage. You want to ensure the coverage is enough to reimburse the costs of a new replacement roof. Many people believe their insurance policies will cover all the costs, but they can be in for a rude awakening after a hurricane hits their area.
Buy a Tarp
While you can take every step to protect your roof during a hurricane, you can still experience damage. You should have a tarp on hand to prevent further damage to the area. Once the storm has passed, the roofing company can address those repairs. However, you want to avoid installing the tarp during the hurricane. Not only is it dangerous, but it can cause significant damage to your roof. Always allow a roofing company to tarp the roof. Also, it is never a good idea to head up to your roof after a storm. The surface may seem secure, but you could fall through the damaged structure or cause more problems for the roof.
Protecting Your Home’s Roof from a Hurricane
These steps can help protect your roof from serious damage during these storms. However, if you want the best advice for your home, you need to contact an experienced and reputable roofing company. These professionals will inspect your roof and provide a few tips to reduce your chances of damage. In the event of damage, you can count on them to repair or replace your roof so that it can continue to protect your home and family. With the upcoming hurricane season, it is always critical to plan ahead and be prepared for anything.
When you need to find the best roofing company in Delaware and New Jersey, contact RGB Construction. Hurricane season can bring the unexpected, and we want to ensure your home is fully protected from these storms. Whether you need an inspection or require a replacement, our roofing technicians are ready to help. Schedule a consultation by calling 856-264-9093.
