Is Your Roof Hurricane Ready?
As hurricane season approaches, it's crucial for property
owners, managers, and stakeholders to ensure their roofs are well-prepared.
Proper preparation can significantly reduce the risk of damage and expedite
recovery if a storm hits. Here are my top recommendations to get your roof
hurricane-ready.
1. Hire a Licensed Professional for a "Pre-Storm" Roof Inspection
The first step in preparing your roof for hurricane season
is to hire a licensed professional to perform a thorough inspection. This
inspection should come with a photo report that includes time-stamped and dated
photos of your current roof conditions. This documentation will be invaluable
if you need to file an insurance claim, providing proof of your roof's state
before and after the storm.
2. Check Perimeter and Edge Flashing Details
During the inspection, pay special attention to all your
perimeter and edge flashing details. The most common failure points in roofs
during hurricanes are the edges. Ensure that your coping caps and drip metal
are securely in place, as 85% of roof failures occur at these locations.
3. Remove Loose Debris from the Roof
Inspect the field of your roof for any loose debris. Items
such as branches, leaves, leftover maintenance materials or unsecured outdoor
furniture can be picked up by strong winds, potentially causing punctures and
damage to your roofing system. Regularly clear your roof of such debris to
minimize this risk.
4. Secure HVAC Panels and Rooftop Units
Check the panels on your HVAC and other rooftop units. Heavy
winds can dislodge these panels, causing significant damage to your roof.
Ensure all panels are firmly secured to prevent them from becoming projectiles
during a storm.
5. Clean and Maintain Roof Drains
Before leaving your roof, make sure all drains are clean and
free of debris. Torrential downpours can lead to water backup on your roofing
system, adding substantial weight that could potentially cause a collapse.
Regular maintenance of your roof's drainage system is essential to avoid this
scenario.
6. Develop and Share a Hurricane Plan
Finally, have a comprehensive hurricane plan in place. This
plan should detail who is responsible for what actions and who to contact first
in the event of a hurricane. Make sure everyone involved is aware of and
understands the plan to ensure a coordinated and efficient response.
By following these recommendations, you can significantly
enhance your roof's resilience against hurricanes, protecting your property and
ensuring a quicker recovery if disaster strikes. Stay safe and prepared this
hurricane season!
Get Ready with Our Hurricane Checklist
To further assist you, we've prepared a hurricane checklist
that will walk you through the steps to make sure your roof is hurricane ready.
If you'd like a shareable PDF copy, just reply to this email or request your
copy from martketing@bestroofing.net.
To schedule your pre-storm inspection, just fill out the
form below and one of our Forensic Roof Specialists will reach out shortly!
