Top Tips for a Hurricane-Proof Roof

Hurricanes are a deadly force that can rip your house apart in no time. They can do incredible amounts of damage to your roof, leading to potential water damage and other more serious issues.

In this article, we have put together eight Top Tips for a Hurricane-Proof Roof, there are some simple steps that you should take in order to help your roof withstand the storm.

What are the best ways to make your roof hurricane-proof?

Choose the Slope and Shape of Your Roof Wisely

The shape and slope of your roof are important determining factors in how well your roof will fare against a hurricane. You’ll want to choose something that can withstand the extreme winds you’ll face during a hurricane. The slopes should allow the wind to go up and around the roof instead of prying the roof off.

Your roof should have at least four sloped edges to keep it hurricane-proof. However, the best hurricane-proof roof is hexagon or octagon-shaped; these can withstand the wind better than homes with only a few panels.

Consider the Material of Your Roof

The material your roof is made from is just as important as the shape of your roof. If your area is prone to strong windstorms and hurricanes, then you may want to consider metal roofing for your home.

Metal roofs are some of the best types of roofs for withstanding hurricanes. Their paneling is secure, and if installed properly, is almost entirely waterproof. They are also so secure that they are unlikely to be blown off by heavy winds.

types of roof materials

Regular Maintenance for a Hurricane-Proof Roof

No matter how high quality your roof is, you should still take the time to perform regular maintenance measures to ensure it is structurally sound. You should call a professional at least once a year to perform maintenance. That way, if your roof has sustained any damage that you were unaware of, it can be taken care of before a hurricane or a storm hits.

You can do regular maintenance yourself by inspecting your roof after heavy storms as well. If you notice that your roof is damaged, call your local roofer right away.

Hurricane Straps

Even with all of your prep work, there’s still a chance that your home could be at risk. Hurricane straps are a great way to secure your roof and your home’s foundation during a hurricane. There are various different types of hurricane straps that are installed in unique ways.

If you are considering installing hurricane straps on your home, it’s crucial that you talk to a professional before making the installation. They can guide you on what type of straps you should get and help you install them properly.

Inspect for Loose Shingles

Once you’ve given the underside of your roof an inspection, it’s time to get on top of the roof and look at the shingles. You’ll want to make sure that none of them are loose or damaged. The storm is likely to tear off any loose shingles, leaving your home unprotected and susceptible to damage. Therefore, inspecting for Loose Shingles is one of the most important top tips for a Hurricane-Proof Roof

Secure any loose shingles you find before the storm hits. That way, you’ll be less likely to experience damage.

If you are looking to replace the shingles on your roof, metal shingles are the best hurricane-proof roof shingles that you can look into. They are secure and can easily protect your home from water damage.

Tips for Hurricane Proff-RoofTips for a hurricane proof-roof

Study Your Insurance Policy

Unfortunately, you may be unable to prevent damage from a hurricane. You should thoroughly inspect your insurance policy to see what your coverage is. Some insurance policies don’t cover hurricane damage, so it’s crucial to look over your coverage before disaster strikes.

Our team strives to make the entire process as seamless and stress-free as possible. So, whenever you need professional support for roof damage or roof storm damage insurance claims, give us a call or book a Free Roofing Inspection.

Reinforce Your Roof to Make it a Hurricane-Proof Roof

For further protection, you can reinforce your roof from the inside. If you have an attic, you can inspect the underside of the roof for any holes or cracks. Try to determine if any spots seem fragile or damaged; these are the areas you’ll want to reinforce more heavily.

You should also inspect for mold or water damage. These areas are more likely to give way during a hurricane, which could lead to further damage during the storm.

Keep Your Yard Clean

While the condition of your roof is important, you should also keep your yard clean of anything that could cause damage. Make sure to trim any large branches from around your home; they could easily fall onto your roof and deal some serious damage.

If a storm is headed your way, you should also pick up any loose debris around your yard that could damage your roof. Even if your roof is fine on its own, any number of projectiles could damage it during the store.

Schedule an Inspection Before Hurricane Season

Once you’ve finished preparing your home and covered some, or all, of the Top tips for a Hurricane-Proof Roof, you should schedule an inspection with a professional. They can warn you about anything you missed and help you make important roof repairs before a storm takes your roof apart.

No matter how well you believe you’ve inspected your roof, you may still miss something. Roofers have a keen eye for detail and will be able to point out anything you missed so that your home won’t be at risk.

Protect Your Home following the Top Tips for a Hurricane-Proof Roof

Follow these top tips for a hurricane-proof roof and remember to give your roof a thorough inspection regularly to assess for damage. That way, you won’t be caught off guard if a storm hits. When in doubt, you should call a professional roofer for a second opinion.

Do you need help preparing your roof against hurricane damage?

NEED A ROOFER?
BOOK A FREE INSPECTION TODAY! [wpforms id=”236530″]
Get a quote from one of our roofing experts. We offer 100% Free inspections and complementary consultation.

We’re here to help. Contact us with any questions or concerns you have about hurricane-proofing your roof and continue reading our blog for more helpful tips!

Is Your Roof Leaking? Everything You Need to Know

What to Do if Your Roof is Leaking

Did you know that on average there are 106 rainy days every year in the US?

If you have a roof leak then all of that rain is soon going to end up inside your home, causing damage and costing you money.

When you have a leaking roof, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage.

Read on to learn more.

Signs of a Leaking Roof

Your roof may be leaking for some time before you even discover there’s a problem. At this point, a lot of damage may have already occurred.

That’s why it’s important to be able to recognize some of the signs of a leaking roof as early as possible.

Water Stains

If you have water stains on your ceilings or walls, then this is a good sign that there is a leak. The sooner you can spot these stains, the better, so be sure to regularly give your ceilings a quick glance to see if you can spot any issues.

Roof Leaking Interior Damage

Dripping

Can you hear dripping when you’re lying in bed at night? It could be a plumbing issue, but it may also be a leak in your roof.

One of the most common causes of roof problems is shiners. These are nails that have missed the frame of your roof and come through into your home. These nails frost up and then thaw, leading to dripping water.

Mold

Mold is a sure sign of excess moisture. Whether you have mold inside your home or growing on your roof or home exterior, the cause may very well be a leaking roof.

How to Find a Roof Leak

If you think you have a leak, the next task is to find it. This can be easier said than done; some leaks will be obvious, but others may take some hunting for.

First off, take a look at your roof, and look for anywhere where tiles are worn, missing, or buckled. Areas, where objects penetrate your roof, are often the sources of leaks, so look carefully at chimney flashing, roof vents, and other potential hotspots to ensure everything is in order.

If you still can’t find the source, then it’s time to safely climb onto the roof, and use a hose to soak small areas of the roof at a time. Keep the hose running for a few minutes, and get a helper inside to look for any signs of a leak.

Work your way over the whole surface of the roof and you should be able to narrow down the location of the problem. You can then inspect more closely to find exactly where the leak is coming from.

What to Do About a Leaking Roof

Once you’ve tracked down the source of the leak, you need to take action before more damage occurs. The sooner you act, the better.

Contain the Problem

The most important thing to do is stop the leak from causing any more damage to your home.

If there is a drip, put a large container underneath to catch the water. Be sure to check on the container regularly so that you can empty it before it starts to overflow.

If the leak is more widespread, use a waterproof tarpaulin to try to stop the leak from penetrating any further into your home.

Make Minor Repairs

If the repair is simple then it should be something you can handle yourself.

If the issue is a shiner, for example, then all you’ll need to do is use some pliers to clip off the exposed end of the nail. The head of the nail itself should maintain a seal.

Be very wary of trying to make repairs on the outside of your roof; you should always take great care when working at height.

Try to Patch Things Up

If a simple repair isn’t possible, you can try to put temporarily patch up the problem area to reduce the leak until it can be properly dealt with.

This could be something as simple as a piece of waterproof sheeting or even a plastic bag nailed down over the damaged area, to stop any water from entering. Obviously, this is only a stopgap measure, and should not be used as a permanent solution.

You can also buy temporary roof patches from hardware stores which will offer more substantial protection. Again, the keyword here is “temporary” because these products are not designed to be used as a long-term solution.

Call a Professional

Once you’ve done your best to try to minimize the risk of damage from your leaking roof, it’s time to call in the professionals. Call 281.782.7116 to schedule a complimentary roof inspection.

A professional roofing company will be able to examine your roof and determine whether it’s possible to repair the leak, or if you’ll need more drastic work done, such as a roof replacement. When it comes to your roof, it’s always advisable to not try to cut corners; if work needs doing, holding off to try to save money may end up costing you more in the long run.

The sooner you get your roof inspected by a professional, the sooner you can take the action necessary to return your roof to optimal condition.

Are You Suffering From a Roof Leaking?

If you think you have a roof leak then it’s always best to call the professionals as soon as possible.

We provide both commercial and residential roofing services, including emergency roof repair, as well as roof restoration and replacement. And of course, we can provide roof leak repair too.

Don’t leave it too late. Schedule an appointment today.