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Forecasters predict a busy Atlantic Hurricane Season beginning June 1st and lasting until November 30th. Hurricanes and severe storms can cause significant damage to your roof and other areas of your home. Thankfully, there is ample time to prepare, and taking the right steps can reduce the damage to your roof caused by strong winds, heavy rain, or debris.
This comprehensive guide will help you prepare, respond, and recover from hurricanes effectively.
Understanding Hurricane Categories and Potential Roof Damage
Category 1: Minimal Hurricane
Wind speeds: 74 to 95 mph
Damage can occur to poorly constructed buildings, unanchored mobile homes, and shrubbery.
Category 2: Moderate Hurricane
Wind speeds: 96 to 110 mph
Damage can tear off shingles, tiles, or flashings, damage gutters, and cause a leaky roof. It can also affect doors and windows, mobile homes, shrubbery, and poorly constructed buildings.
Category 3: Extensive Hurricane
Wind speeds: 111 to 130 mph
Both wind and airborne debris can cause significant damage to roof decking and coverings. This includes broken tree limbs, structural damage to small homes, and utility buildings. Mobile homes and poorly built structures are frequently destroyed.
Category 4: Extreme Hurricane
Wind speeds: 131 to 155 mph
Wind and airborne debris, such as tree branches, can cause severe damage to roof coverings, decking, and gable ends. This can lead to roof collapses in small homes and the destruction of mobile home windows, doors, and decking.
Category 5: Catastrophic Hurricane
Wind speeds: 156 mph and above
The decking can be torn away, causing severe roof damage. This can lead to complete building collapses and the destruction of small utility buildings. The wind can blow down all shrubs, signs, and trees. Mobile homes may be completely destroyed, with extensive damage to their windows.
How to Prevent Roof Damage from Hurricanes in St. Petersburg
As hurricane winds pass over a roof, the pressure above drops while the pressure beneath increases due to holes and entry points. This can pull the roofing panels up, potentially damaging or tearing your roof. Water intrusions can occur even with minor roof damage, leading to leaks or flooding.
Preparedness Steps
1. Roof Inspections
Ensure your roof is in excellent shape to stay safe and comfortable during a hurricane. If your roof has pre-existing damage, it is more likely to experience leaks, shingle loss, or a complete collapse during a storm.
Start by inspecting your roof and gutters. Ensure water flows freely and away from the house. Repair any flashing problems, loose soffits, and ventilation turbines, and remove loose debris from your roof.
2. Roof Repairs
Replace any missing or damaged shingles, tiles, and metal. A city inspection or civil engineer will perform several inspections when installing or replacing your roof to ensure it meets Florida Building Code requirements.
Only trained roofers should walk on your roof to avoid causing further damage.
3. Trim Your Trees
Even a tree with deep roots may weaken during a storm. Damaged, broken, or dead limbs can become dangerous projectiles during a hurricane. Trim heavy branches and tree limbs hanging over the roof to prevent damage.
4. Protect Windows
Broken windows can increase pressure on your roof, potentially causing it to blow off. Install impact-resistant shutters or new impact-resistant windows tested to major standards.
5. Protect Doors
For maximum wind resistance, choose solid wood or hollow-metal doors with at least three hinges and a deadbolt. Garage doors, being wide, are susceptible to storm damage. Invest in garage door braces to help resist powerful winds.
6. Clean Gutters and Drainage Systems
Clear all debris and leaves from your gutters to ensure proper water flow. Fix any defects, such as loose downspouts or poorly attached sections, which can lead to leaks.
Recovering Your Roof After the Storm
Once the storm has passed, note and photograph any roof damage. Avoid climbing on the roof, as it could be weak and slippery.
Contact your homeowners’ insurance company immediately if you suspect roof damage. Report a claim and arrange for an inspection. Delaying this process may affect your ability to submit a claim. An insurance adjuster will assess the damage and estimate the cost of repairs or replacement.
After the insurance company has approved the repairs, hire a reliable roofing contractor like Old Time Roofing to inspect and repair your roof.
Why Choose Old Time Roofing in St. Petersburg?
- Expert Assessment: Our team conducts thorough inspections to identify the extent of damage and recommend the best solutions.
- Quality Materials: We use high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity for your roof.
- Professional Service: Our skilled roofers provide professional, reliable service, ensuring your roof is in the best possible condition.
- Customer Satisfaction: We prioritize customer satisfaction, delivering results that meet and exceed your expectations.
Contact Old Time Roofing Today
Don’t wait until your roof issues become severe. Protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your roof with professional services from Old Time Roofing. Contact us today for a free roof consultation and estimate.
This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which is the premier roofing company that offers St Petersburg roofing contractor! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.