Homeowners in hurricane-prone areas are no strangers to extreme weather. Each year, you follow the weather reports and brace yourself for the worst storms nature throws your way. And when they hit, you rely on your roof to protect you, your family, and your belongings from catastrophe.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. Is your roof and your home prepared for hurricane season?
In this post, we’ll focus on what homeowners can do to prevent the worst from happening during hurricane season in 2022.
Protecting Your Roof During Hurricane Season
The powerful gusts of wind, flying debris, and torrential rains prevalent during hurricane season can wreak havoc on your roof. Because they have so much surface area as the topmost point of your property, roofs often take the brunt of damage. Whether your roof is subject to a catastrophic hurricane or a powerful tropical storm, you’ll get out on the other side relatively unscathed if you prepare in advance.
Your best bet is to take care of any existing problems in your roof before the bad weather starts. This means you should schedule a pre-season roofing inspection to check for broken or loose shingles, damaged flashing, and other issues. You can also have a professional roofing contractor strengthen your roof in a number of ways, including straps, braces, and collar ties.
Homeowners in areas particularly prone to hurricane force winds should have the strongest materials possible incorporated in their roofing system. They can also take a number of steps to prevent potential damage from occurring. These include:
- Using sturdy asphalt shingles supported by asphalt cement
- Installing ice and water barriers to prevent water from penetrating the roof deck
- Cleaning out gutters and drains to prevent water from pooling
- Trimming tree branches that are close to your home
- Securing all loose outdoor items that can be thrown by high winds
- Ensuring you have a strong insurance policy that can cover the costs of damages
Remember, your property and valuables aren’t your only concern during hurricane season. Since strong winds and flooding can occur unexpectedly during hurricane season, homeowners should have a detailed plan for family safety. This includes understanding local evacuation routes, planning for power outages, maintaining a stockpile of emergency supplies, and reinforcing their doors and windows along with their roofs.
Contact a Hurricane Season Roofing Expert
Does your roof show signs of deterioration? When was the last time you had a thorough roofing inspection performed?
If you want professional help preparing for the 2022 hurricane season, contact the storm damage prevention experts at Best Choice Roofing. We proudly provide free roof inspections for homeowners living in areas affected by hurricanes, tropical and seasonal storms, and more. Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind that your roof can weather the harshest storms – this year and in the future. For more information on protecting your roof during hurricane season, contact one of our specialists today.
