Hurricanes are an unfortunate fact for Florida homeowners. Preparing for a hurricane requires the responsible homeowner to take precautionary measures to minimize damage. Without a plan, the risk of loss to a home or roofing system increases substantially. One step Florida homeowners often employ is attaching a tarp to their roofs before a hurricane arrives. However, do hurricane tarps work to reduce the threat of material harm? Or are there better alternatives available?
Do Hurricane Tarps Protect Your Roof?
When appropriately secured, a roof tarp can reduce or prevent the risk of damage to your home. How? It protects your outer structure from flying debris effortlessly penetrating the surface. It also limits the possibility of a hole forming and water penetrating, typically resulting in flooding.
In the aftermath of a hurricane, a roof tarp may prevent additional wind and water damage to your home. Many insurance companies require a homeowner to take temporary measures to prevent further damage. A roof tarp is essential for hurricane preparedness.
Reinforcing A Roof Before A Hurricane
Attach Hurricane Straps/Clips/Tie-Downs
Placing metal connectors, fasteners, or hurricane clips to your roof’s beams or roof-to-wall connections reduces the likelihood of the roof detaching from your home. A qualified roofing contractor will recognize how to add these reinforcements. Installing these could result in insurance premium savings.
Incorporate A Waterproof Underlayment
A waterproof barrier under the surface of your roof provides reinforcement against roof leaks, harsh weather, and powerful winds. If you plan to replace your roof, request the contractor install a waterproof underlayment between the roof deck and the outer layer.
Install Impact-Resistant Skylight Glass
Many Florida homeowners have skylights to access natural light. Unfortunately, skylights can face a substantial risk of damage in a hurricane. Replacing a traditional skylight glass pane with an impact-resistant version will better protect your skylight from damage.
Perform A Wind Mitigation Inspection
A licensed contractor may perform this assessment of your home’s hurricane preparedness. During this inspection, the professional will visually examine the roofing system to determine if vulnerable spots or issues must be addressed. Use this information to make changes.
Reinforce Roof Flashings
Flashing prevents moisture intrusion at crucial roof junctures. Unfortunately, flashing rusts, dents, and loosens over time. Repairing, reinforcing, or replacing damaged flashing reduces the risk of water penetrating through the roofing system during a powerful hurricane.
Secure Loose Shingles
Shingles can lose their adhesiveness. Similarly, they may suffer tears or incur holes, which invite water to seep through the surface. Nail down or reseal loose shingles. Replace damaged or missing shingles. Doing these things will reinforce your roof.
Finding A Qualified Roofing Company
If you own a Florida home, trust Alan’s Roofing to deliver the appropriate solutions to minimize the risk of loss due to a hurricane.
Contact us today to learn more about hurricane preparedness or to schedule an appointment and receive a free roof estimate.
