We are gathered here today to join our roofs and mother nature in seasonal matrimony. A once-a-year coupling of home and weather, residents of Gulf Coast and Atlantic states bitterly refer to as “Hurricane Season.” Yes, that wondrous 6-month-long time of year where hearth and home are under near-constant threat of annihilation from high winds, heavy rain, tornadoes, water spouts, and floods.
Throughout this marriage, homeowners may experience damage to their roofs, including missing shingles, damaged metal sheeting, and even roof and ceiling leaks. Some homeowners might be lucky enough to only experience a power outage. However, they still might be concerned about their roof’s ability to withstand another storm or how much damage was actually caused.
If you’re one of these homeowners, then keep reading. We’re going to talk about whether or not you should repair or replace your roof before or after a storm.
Hurricane Season 2022
The Colorado State University Department of Atmospheric Science forecasts 19 named storms for the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Of this list, they anticipate nine of these storms to be hurricane-strength, and four of those are forecasted to be major. Hurricanes typically damage roofs in two ways:
#1 Wind Damage
The amount of damage your roof can withstand depends on the type of roof you have. The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles. On shingled roofs, wind can bend, crack, or remove shingles completely. This leads to underlayment and decking damage. Eventually, wind can cause ceiling leaks.
Prolonged instances of high wind can also loosen and remove metal sheeting. To quote comedian Ron White: “It’s not THAT the wind is blowing…it’s WHAT the wind is blowing.” Think of airborne debris as specialty tools that can easily crack shingles and tiles, dent metal and completely remove vents and gutters. All of these occurrences could lead to expensive leaks.
#2 Rain and Water Damage
We all know hurricanes bring rain, but coupled with wind, they can be a real pain for your roof. After a hurricane passes, take a walk around the top floor of your home and check for roof leaks by looking for any discoloration along your ceiling or walls. If you’re able to get in your attic, look for water streaks along the decking or joists or matted insulation.
If you find anything like this, know that your roof could be damaged, and you’ll need to get a jump on that repair or replacement as soon as possible.
A tip: when the storm is over, grab your phone or camera and begin taking photos of the interior of your home. Also, when it’s safe to go outside, take pictures of your home and property – everything from the ground, your vehicles, lawn furniture, siding and visible areas of your roof.
Even if nothing appears to be damaged, these pictures could be valuable to you if you make an insurance claim after the storm, especially if discoloration or leaks in sheetrock aren’t immediately present.
Prepare For the Worst
Your best bet is to get a jump on structural and roofing repairs before hurricane season is even a thing. Some potential problem areas to consider include:
Roof vents
Gutters and drip edge
Chimney flashing
Roof valleys
These often-neglected items and areas can be sources for leaks and other damage that may not present as problematic after just one storm. Flashings and vents may come loose over time, gutters may wiggle loose in high winds, and roof valleys take on a LOT of rainwater.
Something else homeowners should consider prior to hurricane season is the age of their roof. Older roofs are more susceptible to damage from storms, and homeowners should consider annual inspections prior to hurricane season starting. Doing this will allow homeowners to understand the capability of their current roof, if it can handle another severe storm, or if any immediate repairs should be made prior to hurricane season.
In the long run, replacing your roof could be more efficient than making constant repairs each time a severe storm or hurricane rolls through. Doing this allows you to choose more durable shingles or impact-resistant metal, and stronger adhesives to provide better protection for your home and family.
Buildpro: Your Roofing Experts
Whether you’re preparing for the annual renewal of vows between homeowners and hurricane season, or you’re ready for repairs or a complete roof replacement, consider contacting Buildpro today.
We have enough experience and certifications to provide you some of the best roofing materials for repairs or replacements in the industry. We partner with some of the best manufacturers in the industry to give homeowners the peace of mind that their new roof will protect their homes and their families. Contact us today for your free estimate and consultation.