June 1st is the mark of the beginning of Hurricane Season for the Gulf Coast and East Coast. While no one can be certain what this year’s hurricane season will look like for Texas Resident’s, one thing is certain: preparation is always easier and less expensive than dealing with storm damage after the fact.
For property owners across the Gulf Coast, hurricane season is more than just a date on the calendar. Heavy rain, extreme wind speeds, flying debris, and continued extreme weather can put stress on your roof that may already have hidden vulnerabilities. Whether you own a home, manage a commercial facility, or oversee multiple facilities, now is the time to prepare your roof for the possibility of a hurricane.
Your Roof is Your Protector During Hurricane Season
If your roof is already has missing, curling, broken shingles, your roof is vulnerable to the Hurricane Storm season. Additional damages that need to be prepared or replaced before the a hurricane hits are flashing, clogged drainage systems, aging roof materials. It’s important to address these issues before the storms start as if they’re left untreated, water leaking into your home is possible. Once water finds its way inside, the damage can extend far beyond the roof itself, affecting insulation, ceilings, walls, equipment, inventory, and personal belongings.
An inspection today can help identify potential trouble spots before a hurricane exposes them.
What You as a Homeowner Should Look For
Residential roofs take a beating year round from Texas heat, UV exposure, and seasonal storms. Before hurricane activity ramps up, homeowners should pay attention to:
- Missing, cracked, curling shingles
- Damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Loose gutters and downspouts
- Signs of water stains inside the home
- Areas where tree branches overhang the roof
- Granule loss on asphalt shingles
What You as a Commercial Facility Owner Should Look For
For commercial buildings, hurricane prep often involves much more than protecting the structure. It means protecting inventory, equipment, revenue, etc.
Commercial property owners should consider evaluating:
- Roof membrane condition
- Drainage systems and roof drains
- HVAC curbs and rooftop equipment
- Flashing details and penetration seasls
- Ponding water areas
- Previous repair locations
Don't Wait Until a Storm Is Named
One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is waiting until a storm enters the Gulf before thinking about their roof. Once severe weather becomes imminent, roofing contractors become booked quickly, materials can become limited, and there may not be enough time to complete necessary repairs.
Taking action now allows you to address concerns on your schedule rather than scrambling when everyone else is trying to do the same.
The Value of a Professional Roof Inspection
Experienced roofing professionals like us can identify signs of wear, storm damage, installation concerns, and areas that may be vulnerable during high wind and rain events.
Having documentation of your roof’s condition before hurricane season can also be valuable should you need to file an insurance claim after the storm.
Prepare Today, Protect Tomorrow
Hurricane season has officially begun, but there is still time to prepare. We suggest a roof inspection today to help identify any repairs that can save you from a leak in the future. as well as help document the before and after damage a hurricane has brought to your roof for an insurance claim.
Stay prepared. Stay protected. Stay ahead of the storm.