Prepare Your Roof for Hurricane Season

Before a hurricane is even anticipated, homeowners are advised to ensure the safety and security of four critical parts of their home: the roof, windows, garage door, and entry doors. If any of these areas are vulnerable during severe weather, it could result in hurricane-force winds penetrating the building and causing extensive damage.netrating the building and causing extensive damage.

2 min read

Hurricane as seen from space
Hurricane as seen from space

Before a hurricane is even anticipated, homeowners are advised to ensure the safety and security of four critical parts of their home: the roof, windows, garage door, and entry doors. If any of these areas are vulnerable during severe weather, it could result in hurricane-force winds penetrating the building and causing extensive damage.netrating the building and causing extensive damage.

Starting from the rooftop down to the foundation, it's essential to guarantee that your roof is robust to endure straight-line and pressurized winds during a hurricane. Powerful winds can displace shingles, forcefully push rain onto the roof, and cause debris to impact it.

Now that the Hurricane Season 2024 has arrived, it is essential to assess the buildings where you reside and work, focusing on the roof. Implement necessary upgrades and modifications in advance to ensure readiness for any approaching storms.

During hurricanes, strong winds can transform ordinary items like lawn chairs or garbage cans into dangerous projectiles. These projectiles, along with falling trees and limbs, can cause significant damage to a home's exterior. Consider this: Is your roof equipped to withstand severe weather conditions?

What should you do as a homeowner?

Inspect Your Roof!

If your area experienced significant storm damage last year, it's essential to have a professional roofer re-examine your roof now. This will ensure that your roof is prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.

Understanding that the roof functions as a "system" within your home is crucial. In typical roofing systems, six components are set up to safeguard your residence and possessions. These elements include the decking, self-adhering membrane, underlayment, drip-edge, flashing, and nails.

If you live on or near the coast you’ll need to make sure you have proper bracing (such as galvanized metal hurricane straps) to connect the roof to the walls of the home.

Living in a hurricane-prone area means prioritizing your roof's strength. High winds can displace shingles, push rain forcefully, and cause debris to impact the roof. Ensuring your roof can endure both straight-line and pressurized winds during a hurricane is essential.

The Benefit of Advance Warning in Facing Hurricanes

is the advance notice they provide, allowing you to prepare your home and evacuate if necessary upon local authorities' instructions.

Currently, you have the luxury of time on your side. If you reside in a region prone to severe weather and potential hurricanes, take a moment today to assess the exterior of your home, particularly focusing on your roof.

Now that the 2024 hurricane season is here, remember the age-old advice, "Prepare for the worst and hope for the best." Both you and your home will appreciate being ready to withstand any storm that comes your way!