Due to its geographical location, Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the country. In fact, over 40% of hurricanes that have hit the US since 1851 have also affected Florida. On either side of Florida, you have the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, both of which are regions that produce fierce hurricanes.
Hurricane seasons in Florida today aren’t much different than how they were 100 years ago if we take the frequency and intensity of their occurrence into account. Although hurricanes are a lot more survivable in the present-time, thanks to improved forecasting systems and advancements in storm-proofing technology, you can never take hurricane preparedness lightly.
Of course, government intervention plans and evacuation strategies are important, but part of increasing your likelihood of surviving a natural calamity also hinges on your home’s ability to withstand strong drafts and damage from water and debris.
Of all the features that form your house, the roof is the structure most likely to bear the brunt of hurricane damage. It serves as the first line of defense against harsh weather for the safety of your home’s interior, but roofing with structural inadequacies can be partially or entirely blown off during particularly strong winds. Once the roof is compromised, you and your family are directly susceptible to the onslaught of the storm.
In knowing that your region is storm-prone, you should be all the more willing to invest in roof repairs and roof improvement projects. Unfortunately, many homeowners pay little attention to their roofing system until the damage is done, and it’s a little too late to reverse the high roof repair costs that were incurred after a hurricane ordeal. It’s always a good idea to have professional roofing contractors take a look at your roof multiple times a year.
Both before a hurricane season and after, scheduling a roof inspection makes perfect sense. Here’s why:
Before Hurricane Season
Getting your roof checked for weaknesses and its capacity to be upgraded is all part of a preemptive plan you can formulate against future storms. A roof with a weak foundation or flaws in the form of leaks and missing shingles is more likely to weather down more drastically, resulting in damage to your home interior. To ensure your roof is in top condition, our contactors at Certified Pro Roofing are here to help inspect it for weaknesses and have it undergo some routine maintenance and strengthening.
Moreover, if your budget allows it, a roof upgrade will improve the prospects of your roof being able to hold its own in the event of a storm. In case you’re going for a complete roof replacement, here are a few factors to consider:
The roof’s shape: Certain roofing shapes have a wind-resistance advantage over other kinds of roofs. For example, the hip roof has four slopes pitched at around a 30-degree angle. The more slopes your roof has, the better it performs against strong winds. Since drafts tend to have an uplifting effect, sloped roofing can mitigate it.
For flat roofs, the material used in traditional built-up roofing could turn into flying debris, so using the TPO roofing membrane instead will allow the wind to simply sail over the system via roof lamination.
The roof material: During strong winds, shingles can easily come loose. This is why it’s important to upgrade your roofing to a material that is better able to withstand wind damage. Metal roofing is probably the best wind-resistant option due to its ability to resist winds of up to 160 mph in speed. Clay and concrete tiles can also take on winds of up to 130 mph.
Waterproofing: Certain features like waterproof membranes applied to the roof help prevent water from seeping into the roofing system and, in turn, disturbing the structural integrity of your building via water damage and rot.
After a Storm Hits
Florida being prone to extreme weather conditions means there will be numerous days in the year when your city is going to experience heavy rainfall, lightning, strong winds, and even hail. Unless a hurricane hits your area, roof damage from storms can take a while to become noticeable. When the damage does become more apparent, however, the roof has typically already suffered a great deal of harm and, by that point, requires much more than some quick repairs. This is why it’s important to schedule regular roof inspection and maintenance services.
Here is how some common adverse conditions during storms affect your roof:
Wind Damage: Winds bring with them debris of building materials, twigs, and other flying objects that can hit your roof at high speeds, causing it to break down in areas. Particularly strong wind might also rip off the shingles or membranes of your roofing.
Water Damage: Heavy rain can wear your roofing down faster, but the real trouble begins after the rain has long stopped. A roofing system that has been affected by moisture becomes a breeding ground for mold, which is known to cause respiratory issues in human beings and deplete overall air quality inside your home.
Lightning Damage: Shock waves from a lightning strike can damage any area of your roof, your chimneys being the most vulnerable. It also manages to break the roofing, making it perforate.
Certified Pro Roofing has a wide selection of roofing services to choose from in Pensacola, Florida. The hurricane season typically spans from the beginning of June to around the end of November every year in the state, so book your roof inspection with us now and learn whether your building could use roof repairs or a new roof installation to withstand the harshest of storms. Contact us!
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