Are you ready for hurricane season?
From the start of June to the end of November, Florida’s hurricane season is in full swing. This can take a huge toll on your property, especially the roof. That’s why you should prepare early and give your roof everything it needs to battle the weather.
Read on for these five roof maintenance tips to keep your roof safe this year.
1. Get a Roof Inspection
First, contact expert roofing contractors for a roof inspection. An experienced professional can assess your roof’s integrity from the inside out.
To find a great local contractor you can trust, search online for “roof repair Florida”, “roof replacement Florida”, “top roof replacement services Florida”, or “roof repairs near me”.
They’ll look for moisture in the attic and any other signs of water damage. If they find this, they know it’s likely an issue with your shingles or flashing.
They’ll also check the eaves, soffits, and fascia. Any weakness or gaps in the eaves could allow strong winds to take the roof right off. You’ll want to take care of any issues found right away, even if that means a roof replacement.
2. Clean Downspouts & Gutters
You need to make sure your downspouts and gutters are free of debris. Gutters collect water from your roof and divert it through the downspouts away from your home.
They can become clogged with twigs, leaves, sediment, and other outside debris. This won’t allow the water to drain and can cause it to back up, pool, and then spill down the side of your house or leak inside.
3. Trim Overhanging Trees
When it comes to how to maintain a roof, trimming trees is a good general tip. But it’s even more important coming into hurricane season as the wind can blow them right onto your roof.
Check the trees around your property and make sure they’re healthy. They need to withstand high winds so any weak or overhanging limbs need trimming.
Look especially for any dead limbs as they’re sure to come down in a storm. To be safe, you want to make sure tree branches are at least 6ft away from your home.
4. Consider Getting Hurricane Straps
Hurricane straps are another of the best roof maintenance tips for the Florida hurricane season. These metal straps attach to your roof and the walls of your home.
It offers extra stability and strength to your roof, protecting it from the strong winds. In coastal areas, it’s recommended given how much stronger the winds are. In fact, in Florida, they’re required by law so make sure you’re complying.
Consult with your roofer to see if they’re needed and also talk to your insurance. Some companies offer discounts if they’re installed, which could save some money.
5. Replace Missing & Damaged Roof Tiles
If you notice any broken, worn, or missing tiles and shingles, replace them right away. If you have a metal roof, then you need to look for areas of rust.
If any of these areas are loose or broken, it’s another place for the wind to latch onto and lift from. There is also hail to consider, that often accompanies these storms.
The hail can break through any weak areas of your roof and get inside. This will cause leaking and water damage in the attic and even other areas of your home.
Hurricane Roof Maintenance Made Simple
Getting your roof maintenance started early is the key to success in hurricane season. You should call in a professional right away for a roof assessment and address any issues they find. Tidy up your gutters, downspouts and keep an eye on your shingles/tiles.
If you found this article helpful, check out our other blog posts for more useful tips and tricks.
