09 Jun How Do I Prepare My Roof for Hurricane Season

How to Prepare Your Roof for Hurricane Season

When Is Hurricane Season?

Hurricane Season in Florida is June 1 until November 30. Making sure your roof is in good condition and ready for the possible damage from a storm should be a top priority. While you can’t prevent storms from coming, you can make sure that your roof is ready for them.

Here are five things you can do right now to prepare your roof for hurricane season.

Repair Any Loose Shingles or Tiles

Check for Signs of Defects. Look for cracks in your tiles or shingles, gaps that seem too big to be caused by wind or water infiltration, or strange-shaped patches that don’t seem to fit with the rest of your roofing material.

Check for Signs of Leaks

A visual inspection can be easy. Walk the interior and exterior walls and look for the following:

Water stains on your ceiling.
Spots on your exterior walls.
Bulging patches on your interior walls.
Warped or sagging paint.
Musty odors can also be a sign of a water leak.

Trim and Secure Trees on Your Property

Large tree limbs can easily be snapped off by high winds in a hurricane and cause severe damage to your property and roof. Dead branches on trees should also be trimmed to prevent them from becoming an obstacle.

By trimming these trees and branches you are taking safety precautions while also improving the look of your property.

Clean Debris From Gutters and Drains

Rooftop gutters and roofs can often become clogged with leaves, debris, and other rainwater runoff. During a hurricane, the massive amounts of rainwater can cause these areas to become flooded, and can cause severe damage to your roof and home.

By clearing all leaves and debris from gutters and roof areas, it will allow rainwater to flow freely and prevent flooding in the future. Gutters should also be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup of debris that can block the water flow.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

If you’re unsure about how to perform any of the tasks above or notice any problems, it’s time to call a professional. A professional roof inspector/contractor knows exactly what to look for, can provide clarity about the current shape of your roof and recommend any repairs that are needed. A professional roof inspector can also provide an estimate of how much your roof will cost repair as well as a time frame for when the job will be completed.

Inspecting your roof before hurricane season gives you time to schedule any necessary repairs.