With hurricane season around the corner, it’s time to get your home prepared. Your roof plays a crucial role in protecting your property from the wrath of these storms. At Noland’s Roofing, we’re here to help you get prepared with a hurricane home prep checklist.
Hurricane Roof Inspection Checklist
By conducting a thorough roof inspection, you can make sure your roof is ready for the high winds and rain that hurricanes can bring. As always, if you feel uncomfortable climbing onto your roof to do the inspection, call in a professional roofing company like Noland’s Roofing to inspect and prep your roof for a storm.
If you feel up for busting out the ladder and inspecting your roof yourself, here’s a checklist to guide you:
- Shingles:Check for any missing, damaged, or loose shingles that could compromise the integrity of your roof.
- Flashing:Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for secure attachment to prevent water intrusion.
- Gutters and Downspouts:Ensure they are clear of debris and securely attached to redirect water away from your home’s foundation.
- Roof Structure:Look for signs of sagging, water damage, or weakened areas that may need reinforcement.
- Sealants and Caulking:Check for cracks or gaps in sealants and caulking, and reseal as necessary to prevent water infiltration.
Ways To Reinforce Your Home & Roof
When it comes to safeguarding your home against the destructive forces of hurricanes, reinforcing your roof and implementing additional measures can make a big difference in protecting your property and ensuring the safety of your loved ones.
Roof Reinforcement
Before hurricane season arrives, make sure to nail down any loose or damaged shingles on your roof. Loose shingles can become airborne projectiles during high winds, causing damage to your property and neighboring homes. Promptly replace any shingles that are cracked, broken, or missing. Damaged shingles compromise the integrity of your roof and can lead to leaks and water damage, especially during heavy rainfall associated with hurricanes.
You can also consider installing hurricane straps or clips. These are metal connectors that anchor your roof to the walls of your home, providing additional reinforcement against uplift during strong winds. These straps help to ensure that your roof remains securely attached to your house, reducing the risk of structural damage.
Window Reinforcement
Windows are vulnerable points of entry during hurricanes, susceptible to damage from flying debris and high winds. Installing storm shutters over your windows provides an extra layer of protection, shielding them from impact and reducing the risk of shattered glass.
There are various types of storm shutters available, including metal panels, accordion shutters, roll-down shutters, and Bahama shutters. Choose the option that best suits your home’s design and budget while providing the necessary protection against hurricane-force winds and debris.
Consider Upgrading Your Windows
If you can, consider upgrading your home’s windows to hurricane impact windows. These are specially designed to withstand the impact of flying debris and high winds during hurricanes and severe storms. Constructed with laminated glass and reinforced frames, these windows offer superior strength and durability compared to standard windows.
Impact windows also enhance security, reduce noise infiltration, and improve energy efficiency. While they may require a higher upfront investment, the long-term benefits and peace of mind they provide make them a worthwhile investment for homeowners.
Yard & Property Preparation
Anything that isn’t securely fastened down has the potential to become a projectile in high winds. Secure or bring indoors items such as patio furniture, outdoor decorations, grills, trash cans, and toys to prevent them from causing damage or injury during the storm.
Make sure to trim trees and clear loose branches to reduce the risk of falling debris and minimize the potential for property damage. Aim to trim branches away from your home and power lines, and remove any dead limbs.
Check the stability of fence posts and ensure they are securely anchored in the ground. If you have outdoor structures such as sheds, gazebos, or pergolas, ensure they are properly anchored to the ground or foundation. Use hurricane straps, anchors, or concrete footings to secure these structures and prevent them from being lifted or overturned by strong winds.
Prepare Emergency Supplies and Evacuation Plan
Being prepared for emergencies is essential. Here’s what you need to do:
- Have an emergency kit prepared and easily accessible, including essential supplies such as food, water, first aid supplies, and flashlights.
- Develop a comprehensive evacuation plan with designated meeting points and routes in case of severe storms.
- Secure important documents and valuables in waterproof containers to protect them from water damage.
Don’t Wait – Call Noland’s For Hurricane Home Prep
As hurricane season 2024 approaches, taking proactive steps to prepare your roof and property can make all the difference in safeguarding your home and family. For a comprehensive roof and home inspection, call the experts at Noland’s Roofing. We can make sure your home and roof are ready for the hurricane season ahead and your family is protected.
Hurricane Season FAQs
When Is Hurricane Season 2024?
Hurricane season typically runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. During the summer and early fall, the ocean temperatures are warmer, especially in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Warm water is like fuel for hurricanes, providing the energy they need to grow and strengthen.
This year, the Climate Prediction Center is calling for an active season. This is mostly due to predictions of La Niña, a climate pattern characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. La Niña conditions can influence atmospheric circulation patterns, potentially leading to more active hurricane seasons in the Atlantic.That’s why it’s especially important to be prepared and ready to protect your home and loved ones when hurricane season rolls around.
What Are The Risks Of Hurricanes?
If you’ve been a Florida resident for a while now, you probably know that hurricanes can wreak havoc on communities and homes. Here’s a closer look at some of the risks associated with these formidable storms:
High Winds:
Hurricanes are notorious for their ferocious winds, which can reach speeds of over 100 miles per hour or more. These powerful gusts can tear off roofs, shatter windows, and uproot trees, turning debris into dangerous projectiles.
Storm Surge:
One of the most significant dangers posed by hurricanes is storm surge, the abnormal rise in seawater level caused by the storm’s winds and low atmospheric pressure. Storm surge can inundate coastal areas, flooding homes, roads, and infrastructure, and posing a severe threat to life and property.
Heavy Rainfall:
Hurricanes often bring torrential rains that can trigger widespread flooding, overwhelming drainage systems and leading to flash floods and mudslides. The prolonged rainfall associated with hurricanes can also saturate the ground, increasing the risk of landslides and structural damage.
Tornadoes:
Within the spiral bands of a hurricane, tornadoes can form rapidly, adding another layer of danger to an already volatile situation. These tornadoes can cause localized destruction, tearing apart buildings and further complicating evacuation efforts.
Flying Debris:
As hurricanes rage through communities, they can pick up and hurl debris with incredible force. Everything from branches and roof tiles to larger objects like cars and utility poles can become deadly projectiles, posing a significant risk to life and property.
Power Outages:
The strong winds and heavy rains of hurricanes often result in widespread power outages, leaving communities without electricity for days or even weeks. These outages can disrupt communication, hamper emergency response efforts, and make it challenging to access essential services.