If you have lived long enough in the state of Florida, you know the drill. The hurricane season may bring a lot of rain, strong winds, and occasionally really bad weather. There is nothing you can do with the weather. However, you can prepare your home for safety. Your roof must be at the top of your list.
Your roof is your primary barrier to the elements. When it is well-preserved, it will hold the water out, secure your property, and keep your family safe. However, when ignored, a single storm could become a nightmare of leaks, repairs, and insurance claims. Now, how do you ensure that your roof is prepared? This is what you should know.
Do a visual Inspection
Have a leisurely stroll around your house and look at your roof as you are on the ground. Are there missing shingles? Curled edges? Cracked tiles? Sagging? Even minor problems can become a big problem if a hurricane hits.
You can improve your view with binoculars. Inspect movable flashing around vents or chimneys and valleys where water is prone to concentrate. This is one of the initial locations where leakage occurs.
Of course, there’s only so much you can see on your own. Many homeowners prefer using a roofing company Lakeland FL, for a professional inspection before hurricane season begins. A professional roofer can spot weaknesses you might miss. They can also help you fix them before a storm turns them into major damage.
Remove debris
Even the smallest amount of debris can be damaging during a storm. A branch that rests on your roof today can be a battering ram when 80-mph winds strike tomorrow. Remove any sticks, leaves, and other loose items which may blow about.
Also, take care of your gutters. When gutters are clogged, water may not drain correctly. This implies that the rainwater may accumulate around the roofline of the home and trickle into the house. Pre-hurricane season cleaning will save you the stress afterward.
Cut trees near your house
Lakeland is a beautiful city with beautiful trees. But in the hurricane season, it is dangerous to have overhanging branches. A branch that is now peacefully resting upon your roof may fall during high winds and smash through your shingles.
Invest time in cutting the branches that grow close to or onto your roof. In case the tree is so big that you cannot deal with it on your own, you can call a professional tree service. This is a preventive measure, so that there is no more flying debris to cause damage to your home.
Fasten loose shingles or tiles
Do not neglect a couple of raised shingles or loose-looking tiles. Severe winds will get these weak spots first, and when one piece dangles, it brings a domino effect.
It is much easier to fix one or two shingles or put tile nails on them than have a hole in your ceiling when the storm passes. Minor repairs can do much in improving roof strength.
Check your attic
It may seem weird, but you can sometimes make an assessment of the health of your roof by taking a look critically underneath. Go to your attic and check to see whether:
- There is daylight coming through the roof boards
- There is any discoloration or soft spots due to previous water damage
Once you detect hints of moisture, it is an indication that water is already sneaking in. It is high time to address it before the next big storm accentuates the situation.
Check your insurance policy
This measure does not properly save your roof, but saves you. Check your homeowner’s policy and ensure your roof has adequate coverage before hurricane season arrives. There are also some policies with exclusions or caps on old roofs. Being familiar with what is and isn’t covered will be helpful in making plans to cover the unexpected.
Consult a roofing expert
You can only see so much on the ground or even in your attic. A roofing professional can carry out a thorough inspection and detect issues you may overlook. Professionals inspect flashing, fasteners, and underlayment areas that most homeowners tend to forget.
Hiring a roofing company before hurricane season begins puts you at ease. In case you need repairs, you would have time to deal with it before the storms set in And when all is well, you can go into hurricane season knowing your roof is prepared.
Have emergency supplies
Hurricanes are unpredictable, even with the most efficient planning. Purchase roofing tarps, plywood, and simple tools. They may come in handy should you require provisional repairs following a storm. These supplies will enable you to reduce the damage until you call experts.
A key takeaway
Do your roof prep as early as possible, before the season starts. That way, you will not be scurrying around at a time you should be trying to keep your family safe.
