How Hurricanes Can Impact Your Roof

Weather can be a major threat to homeowners, especially living in Florida. The primary cause of wear and tear on a roof is the weather, so it’s important to know what your roof is in for. Sun can wear down shingles or paint, wind can cause damage with flying debris and water can cause chaos in any crevice it can reach. This threat is only multiplied when hurricane season rolls through.

You may think riding out the storm and hoping for the best is the only thing you can do to protect your roof, but if you proactively prepare for storms, you can prevent or minimize roof damage.

Wind

Your roof’s greatest threat is wind. Not only can it target roofs directly, but it has the power to move debris and trees at high speeds. Hurricane winds can become fierce, and roofs that already have damage are at the highest risk. Loose shingles or tiles can go flying, or even if they aren’t strong enough to tear off completely, the damage done can make existing problems worse. For example, water can seep in and eventually cause rot or freeze and expand to widen cracks.

To protect your family and your roof, set yourself up for success during the storm. Clear as much loose debris as possible and check for loose shingles or ones with curled edges that could catch the wind. If damage is sparse, use roofing cement or a caulking gun to secure them before the storm. Most asphalt shingle roofs need replaced every 15 years, so if the damage is sufficient, it may be best to get your roof replaced before the storm hits.

Trees

Though the trees of north Florida are beautiful during the summer and provide ample shade, they don’t offer any favors during a hurricane. Loose limbs and dead trees cast a major threat to homeowners. Though no roof is designed to protect against the weight of an entire tree, you can prepare a defense against smaller debris.

The best way to prepare is to remove major threats. Ensure large trees over your home are well trimmed. Trees that are dead or seem questionable are worth getting checked out for age or stability before they become an issue. Falling trees cause some of the most expensive damage during a storm. If a tree is leaning, it may have only a weak grasp on the dirt beneath it. This could either be due to the tree being in poor health or unfavorable soil conditions. In either case, it’s best to remove these before storm winds arrive not only for the safety of your roof, but the wellbeing of your family, too.

Other ways to prepare for hurricanes include:

1.    Clean gutters and downspouts

2.    Have tarps on-hand

3.    Secure and store loose yard decorations or patio furniture

4.    Know your insurance policy

5.    Get an inspection

Ideally, your home will make it through the storm season without any issues. By prepping your home for hurricanes and taking precautions, you’re most likely to encounter zero issues by the time winds roll in. Though sometimes, despite your best efforts, a storm will get the best of your roof. Whether a major catastrophe or a few loose shingles, we’re here to help.

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