Hurricanes wreak havoc on homes. As one of the first lines of defense against the elements, your roof is crucial for protecting your property during powerful storms.
By taking a few steps on the regular, your home will be more than prepared when hurricane season comes around. However, right before hurricane season, you should take the same steps that you would during your regular check-ups. Sometimes things happen between annual inspections that need patching up for maximum durability during storms.
Here are the top strategies we recommend homeowners do to minimize damage during hurricane season!
Get an Inspection
- Close to or at the start of hurricane season, have a roofing professional check for any weak spots or damage on your roof.
- Pros have the experience and the know-how to find red flags that the untrained eye might miss like popped nails, penetration points, membranes, and poorly sealed additions.
Reinforce Vulnerabilities
- If your roofer finds any problems or weak points during their inspection, be sure to get them fixed. Things like leaks, rotted decking, or missing shingles, can be real liabilities.
- Upgrade to impact-resistant materials if your roof isn’t already made with them. Impact-resistant materials are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris, reducing the risk of damage during severe weather events, especially in windstorm zones.
- Check the hurricane straps in your attic. Also called hurricane ties and hurricane clips, these are in place to reinforce the bond between your roof and wall. Make sure they aren’t damaged or worn and that they comply with building code requirements.
Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
- Confirm that your policy has adequate coverage in case of roof damage during a hurricane.
- Understanding your policy details can help expedite the claims process, if needed, and ensure you get the assistance you need after sustaining major damage.
Trim Trees
- Make sure you haven’t had any issues with tree rub, and if you have, repair the damaged areas as soon as possible.
- Remove dead or weak branches that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Trim branches near your home to prevent them from falling on your roof during a hurricane.
Secure Loose Items
- Remove any loose items that can become projectiles in the wind, like patio furniture, and store them in a garage or secure area.
- You also want to ensure gutters and downspouts are securely attached to your home.
- Check the fence line for sagging boards and weak points, ensuring it’s sturdy enough to stay put.
As always, know your evacuation plan, and keep an emergency kit and a roofer’s number on hand. Protecting your family and your home during hurricane season requires regular maintenance, preparedness, and inspections. By taking proactive measures and investing in durable materials, you can minimize potential damage and safeguard your home!