Hurricanes and Roof Damage: How to Prepare Before the Storm

Hurricanes can cause significant damage to homes, particularly to roofs. Strong winds and heavy rain can cause shingles to come loose, tree branches to fall, and can even cause the entire roof to lift off the house. However, there are steps homeowners can take to prevent roof damage before a hurricane arrives.

Ways to Prevent Roof Damage Before the Storm Arrives

Here are some tips for preventing roof damage before a hurricane:

• Inspect Your Roof – Before hurricane season begins, it’s essential to inspect your roof for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Look for loose or missing shingles, cracked tiles, or any other damage that could worsen during a hurricane. If you notice any damage, repair it promptly. If you do not feel comfortable inspecting your roof, do not hesitate to contact an expert roofing contractor from RoofsOnly.com to come to do the inspection for you.
• Trim Trees – Trimming trees around your home can help prevent damage to your roof during a hurricane. Strong winds can cause tree branches to break off and fly into your roof, causing significant damage. Hire a professional tree service to trim any trees too close to your home or that have branches that could cause damage.
• Secure Loose Items – Before a hurricane arrives, secure any loose items around your home that could potentially cause damage to your roof, including patio furniture, outdoor decorations, and any other objects that could be picked up by strong winds and thrown into your roof.
• Install Hurricane Straps – If your roof has no hurricane straps, consider installing them. Hurricane straps can help secure your roof to the walls of your home, making it less likely to lift off during a hurricane.
• Reinforce Your Roof – If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you may want to consider reinforcing your roof by installing hurricane-resistant shingles, adding additional nails or screws to secure shingles, or even installing a metal roof.
• Clear Gutters and Downspouts – Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to back up and overflow onto your roof, potentially causing damage. Before a hurricane arrives, clear out any debris from your gutters and downspouts to ensure water can flow freely away from your roof.
• Install Impact-Resistant Windows – While not directly related to your roof, installing impact-resistant windows can help prevent damage to your roof during a hurricane. Strong winds can cause windows to break, allowing wind and rain to enter your home and potentially damaging your roof. Impact-resistant windows can withstand strong winds and debris, making them a good investment for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas.

Preventing Further Hurricane Roof Damage After the Storm

After a hurricane has passed, the damage to your roof can become even worse if not addressed quickly. Here are some steps you can take to prevent further hurricane roof damage after a storm:

• Inspect Your Roof – As soon as it’s safe to do so, inspect your roof for any damage that may have occurred during the storm. Look for missing or loose shingles, cracks, holes, or any other signs of damage.
• Cover Any Holes or Openings – If you find any holes or openings in your roof, cover them immediately to prevent further water damage. You can use a tarp or plastic sheeting to cover the damaged area until you can repair it.
• Remove Debris – Debris such as branches or leaves will likely cover the roof after a hurricane. It’s important to remove this debris as soon as possible to prevent it from causing further damage.
• Dry Out Your Roof – If water has entered your home through your roof, it’s important to dry it as soon as possible to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Use a wet/dry vacuum or towels to absorb any standing water, and then use fans to dry the area.
• Repair or Replace Damaged Shingles – If you find any damaged or missing shingles, you should repair or replace them as soon as possible. Damaged shingles can allow water to seep into your home and cause further damage.
• Reinforce Your Roof – If your roof sustained significant damage during the hurricane, you might need to reinforce it to prevent further damage from future storms. Consider installing hurricane straps or strengthening the roof with additional nails or screws.
• Hire a Professional – If you’re uncomfortable inspecting or repairing your roof or if the damage is significant, it’s best to hire a professional roofing contractor. A professional can assess the damage and make the necessary repairs to prevent further damage and ensure your safety.

RoofsOnly.com for Your Storm-Related Roof Repairs

Preventing roof damage before a hurricane arrives is crucial for protecting your home and ensuring your safety during a storm. After the storm, call RoofsOnly.com at (512) 746-7090 or contact us online to schedule an appointment and discuss how we can help you repair, recover, or provide a complete roof replacement if needed.