Some procedures may be performed to make your roof stormproof, whether made of metal or shingles. Regular inspections are the best way to catch issues early and minimize damage. Severe storms can seriously damage a roof, but many problems have little to do with what is on the top. The sheathing and framing also need to be strong, including the connections to walls.
Install Impact-Resistant Glass
Windborne debris can shatter unprotected windows and doors when a storm hits Florida. It exposes the house’s interior to high winds and rain and can cause water damage by allowing moisture to infiltrate the roof deck and rafters. Installing impact-resistant glass is a smart way to protect your home from hurricanes. This type of glass combines a tempered or laminated window pane with plastic laminations and is reinforced by aluminum. It is tested to withstand the equivalent of a 2×4 being thrown at it at speeds up to 100 mph. To keep rain from seeping into the roof, ensure all flashing is in good condition. A professional Florida roofing company should patch, reinforce, reseal, or replace any damaged or decaying flashing. It is especially important in vulnerable areas, such as roof valleys, eave and ridge edges, sidewall protection, and joints in sheathing. Using self-adhering underlayment, such as roofing felt, in these areas will also help to prevent leaks.
Clean Up Debris
Your roof takes more damage from severe weather than any other part of your house. That’s why a hurricane-proofed roof is so important to the overall well-being of your home. The first thing that needs to be done is to clean debris from your roof. It can be safely done with a sturdy ladder and a garden hose that can reach the top. If the waste is too heavy to lift, it’s best left to professionals.
Unsecured objects like patio furniture, lawn ornaments, trampolines, kids’ toys, and other things can become lethal missiles in strong gusts. Bringing these things inside before a storm is a great idea. Also, review your insurance policy and keep a copy of your roof warranty nearby to provide it to your insurance company in case of damage. Also, it’s a good idea to scan and save digital copies of these documents. It will make submitting an insurance claim much easier if damage is caused to your roof.
Trim Your Trees
Trees add beauty and value to your home’s property. However, it is vital to trim trees so that their limbs don’t cause damage during a storm. Branches that scrape against your roof’s shingles during a storm can cause shingle curling, granule loss and moisture rot. It leads to leaks and other serious problems. If the branches are too close, they can also clog your gutters. It allows water to seep into the house and cause mold or mildew growth. It can also lead to further roofing damage, such as rotting wood and siding. It is important to have a professional trim the trees regularly so that they are at least 10 to 20 feet away from your home. It ensures that the trees do not fall and cause more costly damage to your property. It also minimizes the risk of a limb getting caught in power lines, which can cause additional outages.
Install Impact-Resistant Underlayment
Roof underlayment provides a base for roof coverings and serves as a secondary water barrier. It’s also designed to withstand high winds and keep debris, like tree branches, from blowing up against the primary roof cover. Asphalt-saturated felt, or roofing felt, is the most commonly used type of underlayment. It offers better tear and wear resistance than bare plywood and is usually the cheapest option. However, asphalt-saturated felt will degrade in hot and humid climates and expose the underlying sheathing to moisture. Synthetic underlayment is a more recent development that offers increased durability, tear resistance, and improved waterproofing (though it doesn’t quite match the waterproofing ability of rubberized asphalt). It’s also much less expensive than asphalt-saturated felt and doesn’t degrade in hot or humid climates. Installing synthetic underlayment is important to ensure your roof is weathertight and water-resistant.
