Is Your Roof Ready for Hurricane Season?

Use our guide to prepare your roof for the 2022 hurricane season with regular inspections, additional support, and specially designed roofing materials.

Is Your Roof Ready for Hurricane Season?

For many homeowners, spring is the start of many outdoor projects. Pruning, mulching, and planting are simple early activities, as are basic maintenance tasks such as re-staining decks and replacing edging.

Homeowners on the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Pacific coastlines should also be prepared for the next hurricane season. The start of Hurricane-Preparedness Week is typically set for mid-May.

When is the 2022 Hurricane Season?

For the 2022 hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has picked May 9-15 as the best date. Residents are encouraged to plan for the following season, such as confirming evacuation routes, stocking emergency supplies, and strengthening their home and roof, during this time.

Although the beginning of hurricane season isn’t set until June 1, there have been a few storms throughout May. Homeowners can assist in ensuring that their homes’ roofs are prepared for possible devastating winds and driving rain by taking a little advanced action and utilizing roofing materials designed for high wind resistance, such as shingles.

During the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, there were 30 named storms and 12 direct hits in the United States. 2021 is expected to be less active than 2021, with 16-20 named storms, 7-10 hurricanes, and possibly 3-5 major hurricanes. Many factors influence hurricane forecasts, including previous patterns and Pacific and Atlantic Sea temperatures.

“The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based only on a hurricane’s maximum sustained wind speed. This scale does not take into account other potentially deadly hazards such as storm surge, rainfall flooding, and tornadoes. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale estimates potential property damage. While all hurricanes produce life-threatening winds, hurricanes rated Category 3 and higher are known as major hurricanes*. Major hurricanes can cause devastating to catastrophic wind damage and significant loss of life simply due to the strength of their winds. Hurricanes of all categories can produce deadly storm surge, rain-induced floods, and tornadoes. These hazards require people to take protective action, including evacuating from areas vulnerable to storm surge. *In the western North Pacific, the term “super typhoon” is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph.”

– https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php

Hurricane Safety

While hurricanes are a reality for homeowners who live near or on the ocean, there are several measures you may take to safeguard your property and family.

• Follow and obey evacuation orders.
• Create an emergency plan.
• Stock up on supplies.
• Plan for power outages.
• Prepare your home by shuttering windows, cleaning gutters and downspouts, stowing outdoor equipment and checking the sump pump.

Protecting Your Roof During a Hurricane

Roof damage is possible due to wind gusts, floating debris, and torrential rain. Roofs are especially prone because they are exposed and have a large surface area.

If your home has had its shingles torn off, water could leak into the roof deck and into your walls and ceilings. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to prepare your house for hurricane season in advance.

Arrange for a Pre-Season Inspection

If you address problem areas before bad weather arrives, your house’s roof has a better chance of surviving a severe storm unscathed. Check for loose or cracked shingles and damaged flashing during the pre-storm roof inspection to ensure that your property is in good shape. This is also an excellent opportunity to talk about how you can strengthen your roof if severe weather were to hit.

Provide Added Support

If you reside in a hurricane-prone area, you may want to strengthen your roof’s frame. A professional roofing contractor can educate you on the benefits and drawbacks of various roof strengthening techniques, such as:

• Braces
• Collar ties
• Strapping

Choose Quality Products

During a hurricane, the high winds may generate enough force to peel shingles from the roof’s surface. Edges and eaves are particularly vulnerable. Once your shingles have been blown away, the wind begins to assault your underlayment, and your roof is soon weakened against the pouring rain.

Roofs are frequently damaged by storm winds, which can also carry items like tree branches and lawn furniture, turning them into missiles that may damage shingles and rip off flashing. To help you prepare for the next hurricane season, consider these roofing solutions.

• Asphalt shingles.  
• Asphalt cement.  
• Synthetic underlayment.  
• Ice and Water Barriers.  

Be a Proactive Homeowner

When it comes to hurricanes, being prepared is much better than reacting to an emergency. Keep your home hurricane-ready by regularly inspecting it and using reliable products designed to defend against wind gusts, driving rain, and flying debris.

Check into Potential Insurance Discounts

Homeowners who take precautions to protect their houses may get discounts on insurance. Some jurisdictions, for example, require insurance providers to give reductions to homeowners who follow hurricane-related building standards. Depending on your insurance provider, you may have to have a wind mitigation inspection scheduled. A certified inspector will examine how well your property can withstand strong winds during this evaluation. They’ll check the siding, windows, and doors (especially the garage doors), of course the roof.

If your house’s roof is nearing the end of its useful life or you want a pre-hurricane season inspection, contact an independent roofer. They can explain the benefits of repair compared to replacing the whole roof and advise you on hurricane prevention methods for your property.