Orlando Roofing Company
Hurricane season is here which calls for preparation to prevent damage to your roof. Last year, the Atlantic hurricane season had 21 tropical storms and 7 hurricanes. High winds and heavy rain can cause significant damage to the roof of your property. This is especially true for older and low-slope roofs. Additionally, roofs that have been poorly maintained are likely to sustain more damage. Strong storms can loosen roofing material and cause leaks and other punctures.
When you own a commercial property, consistent roof maintenance is essential. A roof is a big investment. With regular maintenance, the risk of hefty damages and costly repairs decreases significantly. Regular maintenance, such as two inspections a year, will increase the durability of your roof. It is never too late to start making your roof hurricane proof. Here are five tips to help you take a proactive approach to hurricane season this year.
How do I protect my roof before a storm?
1. Look for Loose Shingles/Tiles
Before a storm hits, looking for loose roofing material is always a good idea. This is because having loose shingles or tiles on your roof can often cause moisture to accumulate that can quickly damage your roof. Additionally, a strong storm will likely knock off any loose roofing material. If you see any loose tiles or shingles before the storm, securing them can prevent costly repairs. Missing or broken shingles or titles should be replaced as soon as possible. If the color of your shingles are fading, this could hint that the material is deteriorating and could therefore be easily damaged by a storm.
2. Remove Any Debris
Debris like twigs and leaves can easily clog your drainage system. Removing debris before a storm will prevent expensive damages in the future. When debris builds up, water collects and sits on your roof because it can not drain properly. The foundation of your roof and the surrounding landscape could be impacted significantly by all this water. Additionally, bacteria can grow in stagnant water. It is crucial to remove any debris sitting on the roof or in the gutters before a storm hits. Ensuring that you have quality equipment for water drainage will help prevent damage from a storm.
3. Schedule an Inspection
Roof inspections should be completed routinely and especially before a strong storm. Roof inspections can pinpoint any potential problems that a storm could exacerbate. Roof inspections alongside routine maintenance will help prevent damage to your roof. While roof inspections cost money, in the long run you will avoid expensive repairs. While anyone can attempt a roof inspection, hiring a professional is your best option. A roofing professional can catch details a layperson would likely miss. Scheduling an inspection every six months is recommended. Inspections will increase the lifespan of your roof.
4. Keep Detailed Records
After each inspection, keep a detailed report of all inspection results, repair records, equipment installation history, and more. Commercial property owners should also keep record of who goes on the roof and the reason why. Additionally, taking pictures of your roof before a storm is a good idea. This will be evidence of the roof pre-storm condition. If you need to submit an insurance claim after the storm, these records will be useful.
5. Install Protection
Many insurance companies will give a discount on your premium if you have extra protection installed, such as hurricane straps or secondary water barriers. Water barriers will protect your roof from water damage.
How do you protect your roof during a hurricane?
It is never too late to take additional steps to protect your roof from storm damage. Tropical storms can cause significant damage to roofs. After a storm passes, contact your insurance company immediately to report any damages. Additionally, after a significant storm, a roof inspection is recommended. If you are unsure where to start in taking a proactive approach, contact a roofing professional to make the process go smoothly.
Roofing Repair Companies Near Me
At Castle Roofing Group, we will help you navigate the roof replacement process and offer one of the best financing rates for roof replacements in the area. We are a trusted Orlando roofing company providing the highest quality roof replacements at a fair price. Contact us today for a free estimate online or at (407) 477-2823.
