Hurricane-Proof Roof: Prepare for the Worst and Hope for the Best!
When hurricane season rolls around, it’s essential to be prepared and look for tips on how to hurricane-proof your roof. A critical part of your preparations is ensuring your roof is tip-top. After all, a damaged or poorly maintained roof can mean serious trouble during high winds and heavy rains.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to ensure that your roof is secure and able to withstand hurricane-force winds. Matute Roofing provides tips on how to hurricane-proof your roof this season, but if you do incur damage, know we are here to help secure your most significant asset after the storm passes.
The knowledgeable team at Matute Roofing will help you move forward in your roof repair, select the best option to service as the first line of defense from inclement weather, and add the beauty you desire to your home. Don’t waste time or put off your residential roof repair; contact the best roofer in the Wayne, NJ, area – Matute Roofing!
What You Can Do Before a Hurricane:
The best time to prepare your roof for a hurricane is before one even hits. Here are some critical steps on how to hurricane-proof your roof:
- Have a professional contractor inspect your roof to ensure it is in good condition and can withstand high winds. The roofing contractor will look for any loose or missing shingles or other missing pieces and replace them if necessary. Make sure these replacements are securely anchored down by working with a qualified GAF-certified team from Matute Roofing.
- Examine the flashing around vents, chimneys, skylights, and other projections, and make sure it is in good shape.
- Check for overhanging tree branches that could fall and damage your roof during a hurricane.
- Check the gutters to ensure they are debris-free so water can drain properly during a storm.
- Make sure your home insurance is up to date and that you know what your policy covers.
Roof Inspection
The first step in getting your roof ready for hurricane season is to have it inspected by a professional like those at Matute Roofing. This inspection will ensure no weak spots or damage that high winds and heavy rains could exacerbate. If any repairs need to be made, it’s best to do them as soon as possible. We are at the mid-point of hurricane season in 2023, which started on June 1st and runs through November 30th. However, most of our largest hurricanes have occurred at the season’s end in recent years.
Hurricane Proofing Includes the Flashing Around Roof Components
One way to in the list of how to hurricane-proof your roof is to inspect the flashing around any vents, chimneys, skylights, and other projections and make sure it is in good shape. Flashing is an essential component of your roof as it helps to keep water from getting in. Water can seep into your home if the flashing is damaged or has not been correctly replaced after a repair.
The Matute Roofing team will inspect all the flashing around these areas and ensure it is secure and in good condition. They will also make sure that the sealant is in good condition and replace it if necessary.
Don’t Forget About Overhanging Tree Branches
Remember to address overhanging tree branches when looking for tips on how to hurricane-proof your roof. If any branches are hanging over your roof, they could potentially break off and cause serious damage during a hurricane. To prevent this, it is best to have a tree trimming service come out and trim any branches too close to your roof. As hurricane season is a hectic time, it is best to plan this type of service yearly to avoid trying to cram it in as a named storm heads your way.
Clear Gutters And Downspouts
Your gutters play an essential role in hurricane-proofing your home. They help direct water away from your roof and foundation, preventing severe damage. So, it’s essential to ensure they are clear of debris before hurricane season hits. Why is this important when they will get dirty from a hurricane again? Keeping gutters clean prevents damage to your roof. If they are full of debris and then experience a hurricane that compounds this with more water and debris, you risk allowing the water to overflow and rest on your roof, causing more damage.
You can do this task yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. If you are doing it yourself, ensure you are doing so regularly, and check out our tips on how to clean your gutters!
Keep Your Insurance Current and Know What Is Covered
Finally, when planning how to hurricane-proof your roof, don’t forget to check in on your home insurance coverage. Ensure that your policy is current and that you know what it covers. Many policies do not cover flood damage, so if you live in an area prone to flooding, consider getting flood insurance.
By knowing the details of your policies, you are prepared if any damage should occur during a storm and have the financial support that you need for repairs.
Hurricane season can be stressful, but you can be prepared by following the steps outlined above on how to hurricane-proof your roof. Investing in preventative maintenance will help keep your roof safe during a storm and ensure that any repairs needed afterward are minimal.
Remember, if you incur damage or need assistance with hurricane-proofing your roof, the knowledgeable team at Matute Roofing is here to help. Don’t wait until it’s too late; call us today!
Bonus Tips: Preparing Your Home
In addition to hurricane-proofing your roof, you can also do some things to prepare your home for hurricane season. One is to have an emergency kit on hand, which should include items like:
- Non-perishable food
- Water jugs or bottles
- First aid kit
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Candles
Generators and Personal Stoves Provide Needed Resources
Getting a generator installed or purchasing a standalone unit for your home provides added benefits when power is out for extended periods. You may need to charge your phones, keep a refrigerator running, or maybe even a fan or other electronics. A generator, when properly sized, can assist with all of these.
A gas-burning camping stove is also a great addition to your hurricane readiness pack. Personal stoves are a great option to warm up some canned soups if you do not have a gas oven. They are also very affordable and portable.
Be sure only to use gas-burning stoves, grills, and gas-powered generators outdoors, as fumes and carbon monoxide are toxic, and there is a fire risk.
Hurricane Shutters and Reinforces Doors Provide Protection
Another great way to hurricane-proof your home is by investing in hurricane shutters. These will protect your windows from high winds and flying debris. There are many different types of hurricane shutters to find the perfect fit for your home.
Also, check your garage door to ensure it is adequately reinforced. If not, consider getting a stronger garage door or bracing kit to secure it against strong winds.
Sand Isn’t Only Good For the Sandbox
Finally, keep a good supply of sandbags on hand to help with any potential flooding. Place the sandbags around areas prone to flooding before it starts raining. This small step can help keep water from seeping into your home and causing further damage.
Hurricane season can be stressful, but by taking some proactive steps, you can help protect your home and give yourself some peace of mind. But you don’t have to do it alone; whether installing a new roof or needing a simple inspection and repairs, Matute Roofing is here to help you get through this hurricane season.
When Cleanup Starts After the Storm Passes:
Once a hurricane has passed, you should check for any damage that may have occurred during the storm.
- Look for any pieces of your roof that may have been blown off during the storm.
- Check for visible signs of damage, such as broken or missing shingles, dents in metal flashings, and peeling sealants.
- Inspect all areas around vents, chimneys, skylights, and other projections to ensure no water leaks.
- Clear away any debris, such as branches and leaves that may have accumulated on the roof during the storm.
- If you suspect your roof has sustained damage during a hurricane, contact Matute Roofing for an inspection and repair if necessary.
At Matute Roofing, we understand how difficult it can be to prepare your home for a hurricane and repair any damage that may have occurred. That’s why our team of experienced professionals is here to help you protect and beautify the investment in your property.
Choose Matute Roofing for Your Residential Roof Repair
Matute Roofing is a top-of-the-line roofing company in the New Jersey area that strives to provide exceptional customer service and maintenance, repair, and installation services. We are a credentialed, licensed, and insured roofing company with over two decades of experience in the industry. Matute Roofing is committed to serving you the finest products that professional and courteous workers deliver. You don’t just have to take our word for it -read our satisfied customer testimonials!
If you require maintenance, repair, or roof replacement, don’t delay – contact Matute Roofing! We know you will be happy with your choice! Chat with us at (973) 618-6489, email us at info@matuteroofing.com, or visit our website!
