Our Top 6 Tips for Protecting Your Roof from Storm Damage

6 Items for Your Roof Hurricane Prep Checklist 

With the right preparation, you can minimize the damage your roof may experience during a hurricane. Here are six Florida hurricane season roof tips to keep your home as safe as possible during a storm. 

1. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

One of the best ways to ensure you’re ready for any storm that comes your way is by scheduling a professional hurricane roof inspection before the season begins. While you may be able to see obvious signs of roof damage, a professional can thoroughly inspect your roof and its structure for weaknesses, loose shingles, or cracks that an untrained eye might miss. 

A hurricane’s heavy rains and high winds exacerbate any issues you haven’t noticed, turning a potential problem into an active leak or even a collapsed roof. This is why it is important to know exactly what needs repairs before it’s too late. 

While getting an inspection before hurricane season begins is a great preventive measure, you should also consider getting one after the season to keep your roof sturdy for the next year and to find any damage that might have occurred during a storm. 

2. Trim Back Your Tree Branches

Even if your roof is flawless and brand new, a tree falling on your roof can cause significant damage. Maintaining the trees in your yard is an important step in making sure your trees can weather the hurricane’s winds and that it doesn’t harm your home if it does fall.

Preparation of your trees takes place months before any storm is even named. Attempting to prune and trim branches as the storm approaches can turn them into hazards and cause even more damage. However, a properly placed and pruned tree can actually protect your home from the wind and rain.  

Similarly to a roof inspection, you will want a tree professional to evaluate your home’s landscape. They can ensure that both your home and your tree remain safe during a storm. 

3. Consider Your Roof Type Before Hurricane Season

You may be surprised to learn that you may not have the best possible roof material for your home’s location. While metal roofs tend to be more durable than shingles, they don’t do as well in wooded areas. 

Considerations like this are important to evaluate before a storm comes. You’ll want to know which material is best for your home and which will best protect you in a storm. 

If you decide to invest in a different roofing material, make sure your roof replacement is scheduled well before hurricane season arrives. The last thing you want is an incomplete roof in the middle of a hurricane. 

4. Invest in a Roof Tarp 

Just as a first aid kit is better to have on hand before an injury occurs, you want to have a roof toolkit ready before damage occurs. The main thing you’ll want to have in this toolkit is a roof tarp. 

If your roof is damaged during a storm, a tarp will help prevent further damage and keep your home dry. While you can’t put on a tarp in the middle of a hurricane, securing a tarp after the storm has passed can significantly reduce additional damage.

Tarps tend to be scarce after a storm, so make sure you’re well prepared by having a tarp for your home just in case. 

5. Clean and Unblock Your Gutters 

A big concern for your roof during a hurricane is water damage. Water can weaken your roof’s structure and cause leaks in your home. Gutters are essential for reducing standing water on your roof during a storm. 

Blocked gutters can cause an excess buildup of water on your roof, which can pool into a puddle and potentially damage it. Cleaning and removing blockages from your gutters will allow rainwater to flow freely. 

Hurricanes can cause debris to build up in your gutter’s pipes, so they must be clear before the storm arrives to avoid a clog or blockage. 

6. Document Everything Before the Storm Hits

One of the best things you can do for your home right before a storm hits is document and photograph your roof, ensure your home insurance is up to date, and become familiar with your policy. If your roof suffers any damage from the storm, documentation will help speed up the insurance process. 

You’ll want to get repairs quickly if the hurricane caused any roof damage. A lot of the delays can be caused by insurance if they’re unsure about what coverage you qualify for. 

With well-documented photographs of your roof before the storm and records of maintenance, you’ll be several steps ahead of your insurance provider, and you can begin repairs as soon as possible. 

Big D Roofing Can Help You Prepare Your Roof for Hurricane Season

Whether you want a roof replacement, need a few maintenance repairs, or just want an inspection to make sure your roof is secure, Big D Roofing is here to come alongside you during the Florida hurricane season. 

We know preparing for a hurricane can be a stressful time. That’s why we’re here to walk you through each step of preparing your roof for hurricane season. We ensure our installations and repairs are quick so your family can stay safe and dry. We even offer a 5-year warranty on all our work, so you can rest easy knowing your roof is in good hands. 

And if damage does occur, our team can be there for storm-damage roof repair, ensuring you have peace of mind in your home and on your roof again.

Hurricane season is right around the corner. If you want to get ahead of the game and ensure your roof can withstand any storm, schedule an inspection today.