With Hurricane Helene having just battered Florida last month, hurricanes are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. We were warned this might be a more active hurricane season than usual. While we haven’t been hit with as many as some may have predicted, the recent devastation from Helene and earlier flooding from Debby are not far from our minds. We still have the rest of October and all of November remaining in hurricane season, so Floridians need to be on alert and as prepared as possible.
Part of being prepared is making sure your home is as ready as possible for severe weather. Of course, at Seal Tight Roofing Experts, our primary focus is on your roof, both before and after a hurricane. There are things you can do to help your roof weather the storm.
In this article, we will look at ways to prepare your roof for a hurricane, as well as measures to take after the storm has passed. Your roof is exceedingly important as it can help protect your home from major damage during a hurricane, It is our goal to help you and your loved ones stay safe and have a home to come back to after the storm.
Before the Storm
● Have your roof inspected – We recommend that you do this annually. Having an inspection is the best way to detect potential roof issues before they become a problem. This can save you money in the long run by preventing major damage and leaks. Please have this done by a professional roofer. Do not climb up a ladder and walk around on your roof. It is dangerous, particularly if your roof is wet. While you may be trying to save money, it isn’t worth the risk. Plus, you may not know all the signs to look for to detect potential problems.
● Install roof straps – Roof straps (or roof ties) can help secure your roof to the walls of your home. Living in Florida, your roof should be fairly secure because the building codes take hurricanes into account. But if you want extra security, roof straps are an option. We recommend that you have them professionally installed. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you buy straps designed specifically for roofs, not carports or solar panels.
● Secure tarps – If you are aware that you have weak areas of your roof, such as missing or damaged shingles, securing tarps over these areas may prevent water from getting through to the interior of your home. Of course, we recommend having any needed repairs done prior to a hurricane. However, we understand that your budget may not allow for that right now. Tarps are an inexpensive way to potentially keep water out of your home.
After the Storm
● Have your roof inspected again – We know this means more money, but if you think your roof may have sustained damage, then get it professionally inspected again. If you have shingles all over your yard or water dripping into your house, then you already know you have a problem and can skip an additional inspection. We aren’t trying to nickel and dime you. We just want you to be certain that your roof is in good condition. There is likely no need for an additional inspection if you have no signs of damage and no large debris on your roof.
● Remove debris – Even if there are small twigs and branches on your roof, clear them off. All debris is bad debris. If you do not feel comfortable doing it, hire someone. Don’t risk your safety! If you do feel comfortable doing it, wait until your roof is dry. Wet roofs can be slippery and dangerous. Ideally, we don’t want you up on your roof!
● Call Seal Tight Roofing Experts – We genuinely hope your home does not sustain any damage during the hurricane season. If your roof does fall victim to a hurricane, then call us. We do roof inspections, roof repairs, reroofs, and install new roofs. We are here to serve you.
We are Your Local Roofing Experts
Hurricane season can be rough on roofs, so we have offered some tips on how to prep your roof, as well as what to do after the storm. Getting an annual inspection and perhaps an additional inspection after a storm can detect small issues before they become big problems. Trimming nearby trees can help prevent limbs from falling on your roof causing damage. Installing roof straps can help secure your roof during a storm. Securing tarps can potentially prevent water from entering your home through weak areas in your roof. After the storm, remove any debris from the roof.
If you are interested in a roof inspection or need roof repairs, please give us a call at Seal Tight Roofing Experts. We are your local roofing experts, located in Merritt Island, FL. We have been serving East Central Florida for 25 years and consider it a privilege to help keep our friends and neighbors safe. And, if you sustained damage from Hurricane Helene, we are sending you our best wishes.
