How to Prepare Your Roof for a Hurricane

While hurricanes most commonly hit Florida, they can also travel up the coast and make landfall almost anywhere between Miami and New York. It’s therefore essential for homeowners all along the Atlantic Coast to know what steps they need to take to protect their roofs from a hurricane.

Step #1

Have Your Roof Inspected

The first step in preparing your roof for hurricane season is to have it inspected. A roof that is already damaged is more likely to become damaged even more or leak during the storm. It’s a good idea to have your roof inspected professionally at the beginning of hurricane season so that there’s time to make any necessary repairs.

Step #2

Make Any Repairs

Per the results of the inspection, schedule any necessary repairs with your preferred roofing contractor. It’s best to have repairs done professionally rather than trying to do it yourself.

Step #3

Secure or Remove Loose Outdoor Items

Anything that is outside of your house that isn’t properly secured could become a projectile that the storm could hurl unto your roof or through a window. Anything that is small enough should be brought inside while anything larger should be secured in place.

Step #4

Trim Your Trees

Even the sturdiest of trees are likely to lose a lot of leaves and branches during a hurricane. The strong winds will blow this debris on top of your roof, potentially causing damage. If you have trees near your home, trim them back and make sure that you remove any debris that could fall onto your roof.

Step #5

Buy a Tarp and Roof Straps

Even if your roof is in excellent condition, it’s still a good idea to have backup options. Tarps can help to prevent water from entering your home and roof straps can help to prevent the winds from blowing parts of the roof off. Tarps are also a great way to protect your windows.

Step #6

Cover up Your Skylights

If you have skylights on your roof, this is a weak point where damage could more easily occur and where water could get in during the storm. Cover these up with either a metal cap or plywood in order to better protect your home.

Step #7

Take Photos of Your Roof Before the Storm

For insurance purposes, it’s a good idea to have before and after photos so that you can show that any damage was caused by the hurricane.

Step #8

Gather Your Documents

Make sure that you know exactly where all of the documents that pertain to your roof are. These should include insurance information and any relevant warranties. Keep these in a safe place so that even if water does get inside your home, these are ready should you need to make an insurance claim.