You Know a Hurricane is Coming – Be Ready NOW
The Atlantic hurricane season typically runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. This is a fairly broad period when roof damage is more likely to occur if you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes during this part of the year. Wiregrass has its fair chance of getting a Hurricane. All types of roof-related hurricane damage cannot be prevented. Even so, there are some things you can to reduce your risk of having to deal with serious roof damage should a hurricane blow through Alabama! Here’s a closer look at just how you can prepare your roof for the Atlantic hurricane season and enjoy some added peace of mind at the same time. It is Better to Know than Regret!
Clear Gutters and Roof Drains
The purpose of both gutters and roof drains is to keep excess water off your roof. During a hurricane, water accumulates quickly and needs to flow off your roof just as quickly. Make sure your gutters are free of leaves and other debris before hurricane season arrives. Do the same thing if you have a commercial roof with roof drains.
Keep Up with Insurance Related to Your Roof
As mentioned above, not all types of roof-related damage can be prevented. So, if a hurricane does damage your roof in some way, you don’t want to be left without any insurance coverage. Make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy is up-to-date and that it includes coverage for roof-related issues. Also, check to see if warranties that may apply to your roof or its parts are still in effect if your roof is fairly new. All About Roofs is more than happy to review your policy coverage and let you know if you should make any adjustments. Having a FREE Inspection BEFORE the Hurricane gives you an extra amount of security in ensuring your claim is approved. We have insurance specialists on staff who are ready and willing to assist!
Determine If You Could Benefit from a New Roof
If you have an older roof or one that’s already been damaged by previous storms in multiple locations, you may benefit from roof replacement. What’s good about replacing an older or damaged roof before hurricane season is the ability to explore different roofing installation methods. You’ll also be covered by your Insurance Company because you’ll have a newer roof that showed no previous damage.
There are two options with roofing installation methods: fastener systems and clip-fastener systems. The main difference is with how materials are secured. Often used for metal roofing, through-fastened systems are typically considered stronger and capable of having greater wind resistance. This is because these systems put materials into place with nails or screws that secure the roofing surface to the roof deck by penetrating the panel itself. At All About Roofs we use proprietary Owens Corning and Tamko installation methods and materials that provide superior wind resistance.
With a new installation, you’ll also be able to explore different materials. While asphalt shingles are commonly used on most homes in the United States, metal roofing is an increasingly popular option for residential roofs. Part of the reason for this is because of the durability of metal roofing. Not all Metal Roof installers use the best methods. AAR uses the longest lasting most durable metal roofing installation methods to reduce water penetration and increase wind resistance.
However, asphalt shingles can certainly be securely fastened into place to get you ready for hurricane season, especially if you opt for top-quality Tamko & Owens Corning shingles. We can help you select the best shingle with the highest wind resistance.
Why Prepare Your Roof for Hurricane Season?
Winds produced during a hurricane can range from around 75 miles per hour for a Category 1 hurricane to 250 mph or greater for Category 5 storm. Hurricanes can spawn Tornados, Hail, and Extreme Amounts of Rain. Not surprisingly, the higher the winds, the higher the extent of the possibility of damage to your roof.
Poor installation methods or cheaper shingles on a previous roofing job could leave your home vulnerable from even a small Category 1 Hurricane. If you did not install your last roof because it was installed by the builder or previous owner you have no guarantee that your roof is ready. Our FREE Inspection, both inside and out, will give you the peace of mind you need to be ready!
Wind damage is the main reason for roof-related damage during a hurricane. Strong winds can also blow debris around, which can then get onto a roof and cause punctures or tears.
Types of Hurrican Damage on Roofs
- Blown-Off Shingles
- Buckled or Warped Shingles From Wind and Water Damage
- Damage to the Soffit and Fascia Boards Which are Structural Parts of Your Roof
- Lost or Damaged Boots and Seals Around Vent Pipes
- Lost Vents
- Damaged Skylights
- Underlying Hidden Damage Affecting Roof Stability
- A Partial or Complete Tear-Off of All Roof Materials
Not being prepared for hurricane season can leave you with a roof and a home that’s severely damaged. Even if you have a secure basement, a roof that collapses into your home can put you and your family in danger. This is less likely to happen if you make an effort to ensure that your roof is as sturdy and structurally sound as possible.
Schedule a Roof Evaluation with All About Roofs Prior to Each Hurricane Season
Alabama and all of the Wiregrass is at risk for Hurricane Damage. Schedule an annual roof inspection or evaluation with AAF today. Our knowledgeable roofing inspectors can inspect your roof prior to the start of hurricane season to determine if there are any issues that need attention. As an experienced roofing contractor will look at the overall integrity of your roof.
Our Inspection Process
- Examination of the Interior/Attic of Your Home to Look For Existing Signs of Damage
- Examination of te Membrane or Underlayment to Find Holes, Rips, and Tears
- Inspection of te Flashing to Make Sure It is Secure and Sealed
- Inspection of Seals, Skylights, Boots, and Vents
- Inspection of Mounted Equipment, Common in Commercial Roofing, to Make Sure it is Fastened and Sealed
- Gutter and Downspout Inspection to Ensure They are Correctly Attached
Additional Tips
Trim Nearby Trees
Strong winds produced by hurricanes have the potential to knock down entire buildings or even move cars and other heavy objects! So, do you really think hurricane winds won’t affect your trees? Be especially mindful of trees that are close to your roof. Prior to the start of the later-year hurricane season take a walk around your property to see which trees need to be trimmed. Generally, the tips of tree branches should be about six feet away from a roof’s edge.
Have a Regular Roof Maintenance Plan
A great way to prepare your roof for hurricane season is to be proactive about roof maintenance. Routine maintenance for a roof typically involves checking for visible signs of missing shingles, cleaning gutters and downspouts to keep water flowing away from your roof, replacing caulk around flashing, and removing debris from the roof on a regular basis. Also, ensure your attic has good insulation.
Clear Gutters & Roof Drains
The purpose of both gutters and roof drains is to keep excess water off your roof. During a hurricane, water accumulates quickly and needs to flow off your roof just as quickly. Make sure your gutters are free of leaves and other debris before hurricane season arrives. Ensure your downspouts are flowing freely and that water is not accumulating around your foundation. Do the same thing if you have a commercial roof with roof drains.
Keep Up with Insurance Related to Your Roof
As mentioned above, not all types of roof-related damage can be prevented. So, if a hurricane does damage your roof in some way, you don’t want to be left without any insurance coverage. Make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy is up-to-date and that it includes coverage for roof-related issues. Also, check to see if warranties that may apply to your roof or its parts are still in effect if your roof is fairly new. Our on-staff Insurance Specialists can help you! Having a certified inspection before a Hurricane is a way to prove to your insurance company that there was no existing damage to ensure you get the maximum benefits if disaster strikes. We even provide video!
Determine If You Could Benefit from a New Roof
If you have an older roof or one that’s already been damaged by previous storms in multiple locations, you may benefit from roof replacement. What’s good about replacing an older or damaged roof before hurricane season is the ability to explore different roofing installation methods.
With a new installation, you’ll be able to explore different materials. While asphalt is commonly used on most homes in the United States, metal roofing is an increasingly popular option for residential roofs. Part of the reason for this is because of the durability of metal roofing combined with increased energy efficiency.
However, asphalt shingles can certainly be securely fastened into place to get you ready for hurricane season, especially if you opt for our top-quality Tamko & Owens Corning asphalt shingles. Our Installation Methods Make the Real Difference!
Choose Shingles with the Appropriate Wind Resistance
The uplift force/uplift resistance method is the method that’s typically used to measure a shingle’s wind resistance. With asphalt shingles, resistance to the wind is broken down by class. For instance, Class D asphalt shingles resist uplift at wind speeds of up to 90 mph. If you go with Class G shingles, you’ll get this same protect at wind speeds of up to 120 mph. Class H shingles will resist uplift at wind speeds up to 150 mph. Wiregrass can experience a Class 5 Hurricane. Our team will show you the benefits of Tamko and Owens Corning Shingles and the various levels of Wind Resistance and applicable Warranties Available.
Have Existing Roof Issues Taken Care Of by Certified Professionals
Lastly, have any existing roof-related damage, even if it’s not storm-related, taken care of before the Atlantic hurricane season starts. Even minor issues that might include loose shingles or worn flashing can contribute to significant roof damage during a storm. The more secure and solid your roof is, the more likely it is that it will weather hurricane season just fine.