Hurricanes can be a frightening time, but if you live in an area that experiences hurricanes often, you are probably a pro. Whether you are a business owner or a homeowner, you want to be able to protect your property throughout hurricane season. Hurricane season begins June 1 and goes through the end of November, according to the National Hurricane Center. The peak of hurricane season begins around mid-August and continues through late October. There are two main types of damage hurricanes can do to your roof:

Wind Damage: It is shocking how much damage wind can cause even though you cannot see it. Strong winds can cause extreme damage to your roof. For instance, wind can blow the roof off and/or roof accessories, wind can throw items onto the roof, and even rip hardware out of the roof.

Water Damage: When there are strong winds, water and hail are likely to appear. If wind can cause damage to your home, that often means there are areas that could be vulnerable to water entering the building. This can create issues with the insulation, structure of the building, and inside the property.

Never underestimate the power of wind and water. Preferred Contractors is here to make sure your roof is fully prepared this season. Here are five ways to prepare your roof for hurricane season:

1. Schedule an Evaluation

If your home or property is located in a hurricane-prone area, yearly roof evaluations are extremely important. You should hire a knowledgeable contractor to inspect your roof to ensure there are no issues that a hurricane could potentially make worse. A roofing contractor will inspect the following areas of your roof:

• Membrane: Your roofing contractor will check for rips, punctures, holes, or signs of aging.
• Flashings: Your roofing contractor will make sure all flashings are correctly attached and sealed.
• Mounted Equipment: Your roofing contractor will make sure penetrations are properly sealed and equipment is securely attached.
• Gutters/Downspouts: Your roofing contractor will make sure gutters, drains, and downspouts are properly attached and flowing in the correct direction.

2. Trim Nearby Trees

Trimming nearby trees is important because strong winds can knock down any loose branches that hang over your building. One fallen tree can damage your roof, break windows, and even severely hurt someone in the house. Take a walk around your property and find any dead, broken, or oversized trees and tree branches. If you find anything that can easily be blown down during a storm, now is the time to remove it.

3. Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is a great way to keep your property safe and your roof up to date. A roofing contractor will ensure that your roof is properly taken care of and ready to withstand incoming hurricanes. Regular maintenance is a great preventative measure that can catch any potential issues before they become a problem. Roofing complications can be expensive, but having regular maintenance will help you save money in the long run by always making sure your roof is in top-notch shape. If your roof has not been seen by a roofing contractor in a while, we recommend getting it seen as soon as you can–especially for hurricane season.

4. Clear Gutters & Drains

Water can create a lot of damage and issues during hurricane season. Therefore, it is important to make sure the gutters and drains are cleared. If they are not cleared, backed-up water will sit on the roof and the chances of it entering your home will increase. Make sure all the heavy rain can drain through your gutters and not overflow on the roof and potentially into the building.

5. Insurance & Warranties

It is important to stay up to date with your insurance and warranties. When a hurricane passes through your area, the effects can be catastrophic. Make sure to be one step ahead and know where all your documentation is. Keeping it in a safe location is important, so it does not get lost. Here are some documents to keep safe:

• Any warranties
• Insurance documentation
• Any before photos of the property
• Contact information for contractors, insurance agents, and anyone else you might need

How We Can Help!

It is important to make sure everyone is safe during hurricane season. Getting your roof checked regularly will help ensure everyone's safety. At Preferred Contractors, we want to make sure your property stays safe no matter what the weather has in store. Contact us today to get a roof inspection!