How to Prepare Your Roof for a Hurricane

Whether it is hurricane season or not, preparing for the worst case scenario is best for you and your roof. You’ll feel better knowing that you did all that you could to secure your roof. That may mean spending a little more money, but is a couple hundred dollars better than the cost of your entire house?

Roof Inspection

Don’t roll your eyes; we know this is common sense and there is a reason why this is repeatedly written about in roof maintenance articles. These people are trained to look for errors or mistakes in your roof. Ask around and see who does a good/professional job. Before a hurricane, a good inspector will be able to tell you if there are any weak spots, give an estimate, and give a detailed report on the life expectancy! This will help when you start taking physical prevention methods.

Clear Debris

This is good to do even if you’re not preparing for a hurricane. Not only does this prevent damage to your roof, but it also keeps water vapor and moisture from being trapped underneath the debris. It keeps your roof material pristine and ready for what may come without any damage before the storm. It’s always a good idea to clean out your gutters, clear your roof, and trim limbs surrounding your home. State workers trim limbs around power lines for a reason, and the same reasons could be said about the outside of your home.

Roof Tie Downs

Installing roof tie downs is a great option in order to prepare for a hurricane. Another phrase is known as, “hurricane straps.” Tie Downs help to brace your roof for high winds and severe storms. If your neighborhood or general area has been hit before, this is an excellent item to add on your to-do list of preparations. Feel free to contact a known and well-referenced roof contractor or inspector to ask questions of about this kind of installation.

Using Binoculars

Be careful when trying to DIY everything with your roof. There are some things that professionals are just better at spotting, period. Be safe and use binoculars if you really feel the need to scout your own roof. Look for:

• Missing, warped, or broken shingles
• Rust spots
• Cracked or worn boots around pipes
• Popped up nails that can quickly be hammered down
• Shingles that are curling or buckling
• Excessive amounts of shingle granules in your gutters

Because safety is key here, and we don’t want you on the roof yourself, look for problems from within the home. Look for wet spots, sagging areas, or cracks. It could be more than just your roof that’s the problem.

Obviously, hurricanes can catastrophic and sometimes you just can’t prepare for that, but at least you are doing everything that you can to prep your roof for what may come. By prepping, you give your roof a fighting chance. Sometimes, just a little TLC can be magical for the worth of your home and conservation of your roof life.