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As experienced Orlando roofers who have helped homeowners protect their properties for decades, we at Top Builder Roofing know firsthand how critical it is to get your roof ready to withstand the intense winds and rains of hurricane season. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Even a small vulnerability can lead to major damage when a hurricane hits.
The good news is, with proper preparation and timely roof repair, you can head into hurricane season with peace of mind knowing your roof is up to the challenge. In this post, we’ll share our expert tips for assessing your roof’s condition, making necessary repairs and reinforcements, and ensuring you have a solid plan in place should your roof sustain hurricane damage. Let’s dive in.
Perform a Thorough Roof Inspection Hurricane Season
The first step is to carefully examine the current state of your roof. If you’re comfortable and able to do so safely, perform a visual inspection of your roof both from the ground and up close. Look for any obvious signs of damage or wear and tear, such as:
- Missing, cracked, or curled shingles
- Rusted or missing flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys
- Sagging or uneven areas
- Clogged or broken gutters and downspouts
- Mold or moisture damage in the attic
If you spot any red flags or aren’t sure how to assess something, call a trusted local roofing company like Top Builder Roofing to perform a professional inspection. We’ll thoroughly evaluate your roof inside and out and provide an honest assessment of its condition and any needed roof repairs to get it hurricane-ready.
Even if your roof appears to be in good shape, it’s wise to have it professionally inspected every few years, and especially before hurricane season. Small issues you may overlook can escalate to major damage under the strain of a hurricane. An experienced roofer can identify and correct these problems before they lead to a roofing catastrophe.
Make Timely Roof Repairs Hurricane Season
If your inspection uncovers any damage or weaknesses, it’s imperative to have it repaired immediately – well before any storms are on the horizon. Some common roof repairs that help fortify your roof against hurricanes include:
- Replacing damaged or missing shingles. This prevents wind and rain from penetrating your underlayment and causing water damage.
- Securing loose shingles with roofing cement or hurricane clips for added wind resistance.
- Sealing cracks and gaps around flashing, vents, and chimneys with roofing cement or sealant to block water intrusion.
- Fixing or replacing old, corroded metal components like flashing and drip edging.
- Unclogging gutters and downspouts so they can effectively channel heavy rains away from your home. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris buildup.
- Reinforcing gable ends, which are especially susceptible to wind damage, with bracing.
It’s best to take care of roof repairs as soon as issues are discovered, even if hurricane season seems far off. Weather is unpredictable, and you don’t want to be scrambling to schedule repairs while a hurricane is approaching. At Top Builder Roofing, we’re committed to making the repair process as fast and hassle-free as possible, so you can rest assured your roof is ready for whatever Mother Nature brings.
Consider Roof Reinforcements and Upgrades Hurricane Season
Even if your roof is in overall good condition, certain upgrades can provide extra protection against hurricane-force winds and rain. Some of the hurricane-mitigating improvements Top Builder Roofing recommends include:
Impact-resistant shingles: These shingles are specifically designed and tested to withstand high winds and flying debris impacts. When installed according to high-wind nailing techniques, they provide excellent protection for your roof decking and reduce the chances of mid-storm roof repair or replacement.
Secondary water barrier: Also known as “roof deck protection” or “underlayment,” this is a waterproof barrier installed underneath the shingles. Trusted brands like GAF Tiger paw or Storm guard create a watertight seal that prevents moisture intrusion even if shingles are blown off.
Hurricane straps: These are galvanized metal straps or clips that securely anchor your roof structure to the walls of your home. They greatly increase your roof’s resistance to high winds that could otherwise lift it right off.
Roof-to-wall connectors: Like hurricane straps, these metal connectors firmly attach your roof’s trusses or rafters to the wall framing, strengthening the overall structural integrity of the roof.
Gable end bracing: Gable roofs have two steep triangular ends that are prone to catching wind and collapsing. Installing additional bracing at the gable ends helps prevent this.
Investing in these types of reinforcements can greatly improve your roof’s ability to stand firm in the face of a hurricane. Top Builder Roofing can assess your roof and recommend the most impactful upgrades for your specific home and budget. In many cases, preventive reinforcement costs far less than repairing extensive hurricane damage later.
Create an Emergency Response Plan
No matter how well you’ve prepared your roof, it’s still wise to have an action plan for responding to hurricane damage, should it occur. Before hurricane season starts, sit down with your family and discuss what you’ll do if your roof suffers damage during a storm. Consider questions like:
- How will we safely assess the damage while avoiding hazards like downed power lines, rising flood waters, and unstable roof structures?
- Who will we call first to report damage and start the insurance claim and roof repair process? Gather contact information for your insurance agent and reputable roofing companies like Top Builder Roofing.
- If the damage is extensive, where will we stay while repairs are made? Identify hurricane shelters, hotels, or willing friends/family in advance.
- Do we need to secure valuables, sentimental items, or important documents in a safe, waterproof place in case of roof leaks?
- What supplies should we stockpile in case of prolonged power outages or water supply issues resulting from hurricane damage? Think non-perishable food, bottled water, first aid supplies, batteries, etc.
Having these discussions and decisions made ahead of time can help you respond quickly. Calmly and safely if your roof sustains hurricane damage. At Top Builder Roofing, we know how overwhelming hurricane aftermath can be, especially when your roof and home are compromised. We’re committed to providing not only speedy. Expert roof repair, but also steadfast guidance and support to help you navigate the road to recovery.
Be Prepared and Have a Trusted Roofer on Call
We hope this guide has given you a solid game plan for getting your roof as hurricane-resistant as possible. Of course, even the most conscientious preparation can’t guarantee your roof will emerge unscathed. But by taking steps to strengthen your roof and line up support before a hurricane hits. You’ll be much better positioned to weather the storm and rebound quickly.
Remember, your roof is too critical to trust to just anyone, especially in the high-stakes situation of a hurricane. You need a roofing partner you can count on for honest assessments. Quality repairs, and attentive service when you need it most. That’s exactly what Top Builder Roofing has been providing Orlando area homeowners for many years.
If you need roof repair or simply want a professional opinion on the condition of your roof. We’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and consultation. Together, we’ll make sure your roof is ready to protect your family and home through hurricane season and beyond.
