Is Your Roof Hurricane Ready?

The hurricane season is upon us and will continue through November. Most Floridians are aware that a hurricane doesn’t have to cause major damage to a house. If your roof is damaged, a tropical storm, or even a severe thunderstorm, can affect your home.

Many people think of the roof last when they consider preparing for a hurricane. The roof protects a building from severe weather and holds it together. The power of a hurricane can cause even more damage to a house’s roof. You should not only invest in hurricane-ready shutters, doors, garages and shutters but also consider making your roof strong enough to withstand storm force winds. These are some ways to prepare your roof for hurricane season.

Take a look

First, have your roof checked by a professional roofing contractor. There are many ways to check your roof’s integrity, but a professional roofing contractor will be able to spot potential problems and identify them. The roofer will provide a detailed report that includes the estimated cost of repair and life expectancy. Discuss the report with your roofing contractor to determine how to secure your roof.

Strengthen Your Roof with Tie Downs

Roof tie-downs (also known as “hurricane bands”) are used to brace your roof against severe storms and high winds. Metal strips that attach to any roof are called hurricane straps. They keep the roof attached and secure the walls of your house. Metal hurricane clips can be installed by a roofing contractor to connect the roof to the wall from the inside. This extra support reduces the chance of your roof being blown off by strong winds. Your home and your family will be protected if your roof is damaged by a hurricane. If a storm damages your roof, a reinforced roof can protect you and your neighbors. Hurricane straps can be used to prepare your roof for hurricane season.

Trim trees to your property

This tip is great for preventing a hurricane from happening, but it also protects your roof from falling branches. In a hurricane, trees hanging above your roof can be very dangerous. Tree limbs can be easily torn and turned into projectiles by strong winds. The damage that a fallen tree limb can do to your roof is unimaginable. It could puncture your roof and allow water in. It can lead to electrical problems or even injury. Trees can also lead to a lot of roof debris. Mulch can be made up of leaves, branches and pine needles, as well as other debris. This eventually becomes mulch. Mulch can trap moisture and cause shingles to become brittle. To save time and make your season easier, trim your trees.

Clear your gutters

It is easy to forget all about drainage systems and gutters throughout the year. You should clean your gutters and drainage systems before a storm hits. To prevent any buildup, clean out leaves and debris from your roof. Clear gutters and spouts to allow rainwater to flow freely. In the event of a storm, water may back up in your gutters and cause more damage to your home.

Get a New Roof

Although it may seem excessive, a new roof could be the best preventative measure if your roofing project is proving to be too difficult. A storm could cause major damage to an old roof. If your inspection recommends it, don’t hesitate to invest in a new roof.

A licensed roofing contractor can inspect your roof and help you maintain it. Start budgeting for a roof replacement when your roof is at its end.

This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which is the premier Clearwater Roofing Contractor!  Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.