For Florida residents, its that time of year again – the 2021 hurricane season is just around the corner! The best time to prepare for hurricanes is now. Your storm preparations should especially focus on understanding your property’s vulnerability to wind and water. During a hurricane, your roof can be exposed to winds more than 74 mph (Cat 1) to over 155 mph (Cat 5). These winds can damage a roof by pulling off roof shingles, tiles, or even the underlying roof deck. It is best to check the condition of your roof before a storm comes blowing in as well as after.
Your best bet against a hurricane is a well-maintained roof. How well your roof handles a major storm like a hurricane will largely depend on the type of roof it is and how the roof was constructed (does it have roof straps). Metal roofs are built to withstand winds of up to 160mph. They excel at protecting against wind driven rain and it is very unlikely to blow away in pieces that become potential projectiles (like asphalt shingles). The very popular asphalt shingle can withstand winds of up to roughly 110 mph, but as intensity increases so does the potential for loss of shingles. Each shingle that comes loose weakens the roofing system and this leaves the home exposed to water as well as wind damage.
What else can you do to prepare?
- Get a professional inspection of your roof by Astro Roofing Inc. in Volusia County. We are a Florida State Certified Roofer License #CCC037005 and fully insured. In addition we are a SELECT ShingleMaster , which represents the highest standards of excellence and knowledge in the shingle roofing industry. We will diagnose and fix any problems, so you will not have any leaks or issues during a storm. Our inspections will find issues such as loose missing or damaged shingles, soft spots and potential problems around skylights, vents or around pipes.
- Check the fascia boards and the soffit boards. Fascia boards are located just below the metal trim of the roof and soffit boards are located below the roof overhang areas. Problem signs like rotting could cause a potential problem during a hurricane.
- Clean up the gutters and valleys in the roof. Make sure they are not clogged and working to move that rainwater off the roof.
- Trim any trees that overhang your home and could break off. Look for dead branches that will break during a high wind and rain event.
- Clean up around your home. Secure yard furniture and decorations so that they cannot become projectiles and cause damage to your home or your neighbors’ property.
Preparation before the storm is the key and our team at Astro Roofing is ready and here to support you before and after the storm. Contact our local roofing company at 386-760-8933 or email john@astroroofinginc.com. Call today!