Monday 19 June 2023

CHECKPOINTS TO COMPLETE TO PREPARE YOUR ROOF FOR HURRICANE SEASON!


The second storm (BRET) may form just east of St Lucia as early as Thursday. It is expected to bring lots of rain. Have you checked to find out if your roof is OK? 

Each year storms and hurricanes strike our homes. The majority of these storms which come between June to November can wreak havoc on your home’s roof, but the damage they leave behind may not always be noticeable to the naked eye – that’s why roof inspections for storm season are so important.

Even the smallest damage left behind in the June to November storms can lead to serious structural problems for your roof. Your best bet is to have your roof inspected regularly during storm season by a reliable, contractor.

The most obvious types of storm damage to your roof will be loose, damaged, or missing shingles and galvanize. Check around the base of your home to see if shingles have fallen off, as well as flashing and fascia. Keep an eye out for darker spots and discoloration in the ceiling. These might indicate water damage.

At Rayneau Construction and Industrial Products Ltd, we want our customers to be prepared for the hurricane season and know what steps to take after a storm has hit. Below, we have compiled a short list of checkpoints that you can complete in order to prepare your roof for storm season.

Inspect Roof 

Ensure safety first with this pre-storm preparation task. 

Check your roof for any signs of damage--or potential damage. Look for shingles/galvanize that don't lay flat. Check for cracks or blisters in shingles or sealant. 

If you're comfortable, carefully walk your roof and pay attention to any weak spots. This could mean water has made it through to the decking and the wood is damaged. 

Look for divots or missing granules on shingles. This could be damage from last year's storms.

Check all potential entry points: vents, skylights. Look for gaps in sealant or anything that feels loose. 

If this part of your pre-storm season roof preparation feels too dangerous, call a roofing expert. They'll perform a roof inspection and let you know if any need attention before storms come.

Check the Gutters

It is important to make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of any debris and are properly fastened to your home.

To get the most out of your drainage system, it is best to clean and repair your gutters before and after the storm season.

Leaves, small branches, and shingle granules can accumulate in your gutters over time. Be sure to check and remove any debris to decrease the chance of water overflow and clogging. It is also important to check for leaks.

Trim Trees

Be sure to examine the perimeter of your property to spot any vulnerable trees and branches and cut them back.

Some of the most common roof damage occurs because of falling tree limbs so it is best to trim branches back to lessen potential storm damage.

On windy days, low-hanging branches can scrape against roof shingles removing layers of asphalt.

Don't Get Caught In the Storm

It might not be your favorite home maintenance task. However, it's important to inspect and prepare your roof for storm season before your roof gets caught unprepared in the storm.  The hurricane season can be a stressful time for homeowners so we hope these tips will help you and your family better prepare for storm season.

If you would like a professional roof inspection to identify any potential issues, call Construction and Industrial Equipment Ltd today at (758) 450-1087 or contact us. If you do experience any storm-related roof damage, we are here to help.


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