Hurricane season is nearly here and for Florida homeowners concerned about their roofing, this is a critical time to prepare to weather the storms.

With the number of hurricanes and severe storms increasing yearly, every residential roof must be in its best condition to successfully withstand these events and protect the homes beneath them.

These preparedness tips from professional roofers can help homeowners in Florida get through the storms unscathed!

1. Start With A Roof Inspection

The best preparation to minimize roofing damage during a hurricane is scheduling an inspection to assess the roof’s condition before a hurricane ever hits.

Allow a licensed, professional roofer to thoroughly inspect the roof to identify areas of concern that should be addressed before the roof must withstand the stressors of high winds and heavy rains.

During this inspection, roofers should also check the attachment of any satellite dishes, solar panels, antennas, or other components to ensure they are secure enough to withstand high winds.

2. Arrange Any Necessary Roofing Maintenance or Repairs

Using the results of the roof inspection as a guide, homeowners should invest in whatever maintenance or repairs their roofers recommend to get the roof in top condition.

Repairs should be resolved promptly to prevent minor damage from becoming vulnerabilities that could allow storm damage.

Maintenance concerns like gutter cleaning, debris removal, and securing flashings as well as fasteners should also be handled to protect the integrity of the roofing installation.

3. Have Trees Trimmed Back

Trees can be an overlooked source of damage to a roof during storms that bring high winds and heavy rainfall.

Prevent scraped and broken components or the possibility of a tree limb puncturing or crashing through the roof by having trees close to the house professionally trimmed.

During this process, have arborists remove any dead or dying branches that could present risks, plus any branch growth that can reach the roof’s surface.

4. Secure Yard Furnishings and Other Items

When the weather turns gray and a hurricane or severe storm is on the horizon, minimize the chance of roofing damage from flying debris by securing anything that could be lifted and blown.

Contain or secure yard and patio furnishings, toys, planters, lawn as well as garden equipment, and any other item that could become a projectile, as these items can cause severe damage when blown at high speeds.

5. Be Prepared For A Roofing Emergency

Homeowners should go into Florida hurricane season with the preparations to handle a roofing emergency should their home be affected.

Roofers recommend having a few tarps, bungee cords, and 2x4s available to cover up sudden roofing damage and minimize any additional water damage until repairs can be made.

In addition to collecting these items, homeowners are encouraged to keep their insurance company’s contact information easily accessible and review their homeowner's insurance policy at the beginning of the hurricane season, making any necessary adjustments ahead of time to ensure their roof is covered against storm or hurricane damage.

Prepare Now for Florida Hurricane Season!

A strong roof is critical for protecting a house and its residents against the severe weather that is common in Florida.

To ensure roofing is ready to battle the storms this year, homeowners should schedule an inspection with a local roofing contractor to start their hurricane preparation process.

A professional Florida roofer experienced in preventing and repairing hurricane damage is the best one to turn to for preparing any residential roof for the upcoming storm season!