04 Mar Strategizing for the Hurricane Season: Roofing, Reliability, and Relief

Staying on top of roofing maintenance can be challenging enough as is, but when hurricane season comes into play, procrastination is simply no longer an option.

After all, your roof is particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall, brutal whips of wind, and airborne debris that is liable to damage more than the surface-level materials. But don’t worry — you still have time.

So if you’re wondering when and how to prepare your roof for the coming season, we’ve got you covered:

Hurricane Season 101

Hurricane season spans June 1 through Nov. 30, which is why Hurricane-Preparedness Week is oftentimes designated approximately halfway through May. And in recent years, proper hurricane preparedness has been especially important.

“During the past three years, four hurricanes have made landfall in Florida, including Hurricane Michael, the first hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. as a Category 5 since Hurricane Andrew in 1992,” as reported by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Particularly here in Florida, is it difficult to accurately or confidently predict the trajectory of a hurricane, given the constant change in weather conditions and patterns. Thus, Jacksonville and Central Florida residents need to always remain prepared, rather than waiting till the last second.

Property Preparations

“Don’t wait until a hurricane watch is issued, because it may already be too late to take certain precautions,” the Insurance Information Institute (III) warns. “Reduce property damage and get through any hurricane emergency with less stress by preparing before the season begins.”

And in terms of roofing, this means checking for slipped shingles, inspecting attic leaks, and reviewing the maintenance history of the structure. Otherwise, you can also take extra steps to strengthen its overall integrity.

“If you live in a region that’s prone to hurricanes, you might want to reinforce your roof’s frame,” as recommended by Owens Corning. “A professional roofing contractor can explain the pros and cons of various roof strengthening methods, such as braces, collar ties, strapping.”

Who to Call

Your roof is considered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as your home’s first line of defense in the event of severe wind forces. Thus, there’s no “right” time to start preparing.

At the end of the day, the sooner you attend to your roof, the better.

And if you’re on the hunt for a replacement roof, you may want to consider swapping your traditional asphalt shingles for metal materials, which are more likely to withstand such blunt force.

Otherwise, if you’re not sure where to start, the best thing you can do is schedule a FREE inspection with Universal Roof & Contracting prior to the start of hurricane season.

Our team has served both Jacksonville and the greater Central Florida community for over 27 years, and we know what it takes to weather the storm, keep your family safe, and ensure that your forever roof will last!

So, are you ready to learn more? Start today by contacting our team at 855-ROOF-HELP — You’ll find the difference is universal with us!