Summer on the East Coast of the United States brings more than just warm weather, it also marks the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. The official season is from June 1st to November 30th, but there can be outliers, so good preparation in advance is essential. While we can always hope for the best, it’s also important to plan for the worst. Tampa may be sunny and picturesque most of the year, but the tradeoff is an often brutal hurricane season. Ultimately, we don’t know when the next major storm will hit Florida, so it’s imperative to go through some good preparations every year. Good preparation doesn’t need to be overwhelming though, it can easily be taken care of in a few simple steps, all of which we’ve gone over in this article.
Schedule a Roof Inspection
The first step of preparing your roof for hurricane season is to schedule a roof inspection with Avatar Roofing. Roof damage isn’t always easy to spot for the average homeowner, so it’s always best to consult a professional especially when preparing for major storms. Any minor damage can easily become a major risk in even a small storm, making an annual inspection a necessity. Tampa is hit by hurricanes almost every season, so regular roof inspections are a must. Your inspector should give you a report of the roof life expectancy, tile/shingle health and general wear-and-tear, leaks and water damage, and any repairs you may need. If you are recommended any repairs, it’s important to get them done well before the official start of the hurricane season.
Gutters and Drainage
In an ideal world, your gutters and drainage systems would always be clear and protect your roof from water damage, but hurricanes are hardly an ideal situation. Part of preparing your roof is making sure to fully clean your gutters and drainage systems, so as to limit overflow during heavy rains. Downspouts, which carry water vertically from your roof to the ground, are especially important to clean in preparation for storm season. Neglecting to prepare your roof drainage system for heavy rains puts you at a higher risk for overflow, flooding, and water damage. If you need help with gutter cleaning,
Preparing Your Yard
Another part of keeping your roof safe during hurricane season is preparing your yard. High winds and rain can knock down trees and bushes, both of which can cause massive damage if they fall on your roof. However, it’s also important to protect your roof from foliage year-round. Any low-hanging branches that brush against your roof can cause extensive damage over time, leading to costly repairs. While tropical Florida trees may look good, if left to grow wild they can cause a major headache for any homeowner.
In Case of Emergency
Of course, no amount of preparation is a guarantee your roof won’t be damaged during hurricane season. It’s a good idea to go over your home insurance policy every year to make sure any potential damage will be covered. Make sure to look over any warranties you have as well. If you’re unsure of how to navigate your policy details, you can reach out to one of our experts for help. We will be able to help you with insurance policies and adjustments if need be.
Contact Us
Preparing your roof for hurricane season is a yearly necessity, and Avatar Roofing is here to help. To schedule an inspection, or a cleaning, or to get a quote, reach us at (813) 962-7663.
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