Florida hurricane season is almost here and homeowners should be starting their storm preparation for another season of rough weather.

An important part of those preparations should address home roofing and how to protect it from severe winds and heavy rains.

Reducing the need for storm damage roofing repairs later starts with good roof care and preparation today.

These tips from professional Florida roofers will help homeowners do everything they can to protect their roofs and withstand the storms!

1. Schedule A Roofing Inspection

Schedule a pre-season roofing inspection every year before the storms come to assess the roof condition and detect any developing problems.

Vulnerabilities like shingle damage, loose metal fasteners, small leaks, and other wear-and-tear damage may seem minor now but can create weaknesses that result in serious storm damage later.

2. Do All Necessary Roofing Maintenance and Repairs

After a thorough inspection, allow roofers to provide essential maintenance to the roofing materials to protect their condition and promote a long lifespan, even when facing harsh conditions.

Keep the roof clean of debris and organic growth like mold and algae, secure loose flashings, tighten down fasteners, and consider installing hurricane straps or clips.

If any repairs are necessary, take care of them now, as this damage is likely to worsen during severe weather, creating vulnerabilities that could lead to more extreme damage.

3. Clean Gutters, Downspouts, and Drains

Prevent some common storm damage roofing repairs related to water damage and leaking by keeping the roof drainage system clean and clear.

Have a roofer clean and inspect the gutter system, make any needed repairs, and ensure free drainage from the gutters to the downspouts and then into the ground or away from the house.

Clogged gutters and downspouts create backups in heavy rain that can be the start of severe water damage to the edges of the roof, the fascia, and other water-absorbing components.

4. Trim Nearby Trees Away From the Roof

Tree branches that extend over a home can be extremely damaging to its roofing during a storm.

Prevent damage caused by broken branches falling on the roof or windblown branches scraping and damaging the roofing materials by hiring an arborist to trim close branches back.

Unhealthy trees or dead limbs that could fall should also be removed to reduce the risk of tree damage during a big storm.

5. Secure Outdoor Items

Reduce the risk of roofing storm damage due to impacts by securing patio furniture, toys, and other loose items around the house and yard that could be blown around by strong winds.

Contain these items in the garage, a shed, or inside the home if necessary.

6. Protect Rooftop Egresses, Entrances, and Eaves

For homes with rooftop access via windows or doors, securely close and lock these egress points to prevent wind from getting through and creating an uplift force.

Homes without them should have soffits installed to close off the eaves to reduce strong uplifts, which can blow a roof off from the inside if there is no protection against high winds.

7. Review Homeowners Insurance Policies

Go over homeowners insurance policies to ensure coverage for storm damage roofing repairs should the roof become damaged during a hurricane.

Be sure coverage limits are high enough to be protective based on current roofing costs and increase them if necessary.

This is also a good time to create and document a home inventory, which will be required if the home or roof experiences serious damage during a hurricane.

Protect Residential Roofing To Resist Storm Damage

Hurricanes are responsible for millions of dollars in roofing damage in Florida.

While it is impossible to control these storms, homeowners can reduce their need for costly storm damage roofing repairs by taking some precautionary steps.

Hire an experienced Florida roofer to perform inspections, repairs, and other pre-storm preparations before the storms come for the best chance of surviving without damage!