Hurricane Proof Your Roof

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Preparing your roof for hurricane season involves a multi-step process designed to ensure it’s as sturdy and secure as possible. Here’s what you should consider doing:

1. **Roof Inspection:** Hire a professional to inspect your roof for any potential damage or weak areas. If you’re comfortable doing it yourself, look for missing or loose shingles, rusted flashing, worn seals, and any other signs of damage. Don’t forget to check the underside of the roof from your attic for signs of leaks or water damage.

2. **Repairs:** Any signs of damage or wear should be repaired promptly. Loose or missing shingles should be replaced, as these can be easily torn off by high winds, creating a weak spot in your roof. If the flashing is rusted or damaged, it should also be replaced to prevent leaks.

3. **Trim Trees:** Trim back any tree branches that overhang your roof. In a hurricane, these branches can be torn off and thrown onto your roof, potentially causing severe damage.

4. **Gutter Maintenance:** Clean your gutters and make sure they’re securely attached. Blocked or loose gutters can overflow, causing water damage to your home, and can be torn off in high winds.

5. **Roof Strengthening:** Consider investing in roof straps if your roof doesn’t already have them. These metal straps are designed to secure your roof to the frame of your house, reducing the chance it will be torn off by high winds. Another option is to use a professional-grade roofing adhesive to create a stronger bond between the shingles and the roof deck.

6. **Professional Check-up:** If you’re in a high-risk area, consider having a professional wind mitigation inspector check your home. They can identify potential weaknesses and recommend fixes to help your home withstand a hurricane.

7. **Insurance Check-up:** Make sure your home insurance policy covers hurricane damage, and understand the terms. Some policies have a separate hurricane deductible, and others may not cover flood damage.

8. **Prepare for Emergency Repairs:** Keep materials such as tarps, plywood, and nails on hand for emergency post-storm repairs.

Remember, the best time to prepare your roof for hurricane season is well in advance of any storms. A well-maintained and strengthened roof can greatly reduce the potential damage to your home during a hurricane.