23 Apr The Hurricane Season Checklist: Five Roofing Conditions Check Before The Season Sweeps In

Will 2021 see the strengthening of 2020’s La Niña conditions, or will the waters return to a more neutral state of warmth?

Such is the question many forecasters are currently scrutinizing as the residents of the Gulf States wonder, once again, how many named storms they’ll have to face down before the year is over.

But regardless of how active the season turns out to be, you never want to be underprepared for what may (or may not) be in store. That’s why we’re here this year with a checklist of five roofing conditions to check for the season officially sweeps in:

#1 – General Roof Conditions

One of the easiest ways to begin inspecting your roof prior to the impending hurricane season is to simply start by viewing it broadly and aesthetically. For one, check for slipping shingles or granular loss along the surface of your roof. Additionally, ensure that your gutters are both clean and clear.

Otherwise, do you see any debris or clutter sitting on top of the structure? Are there visible signs of damage, like punctures or deformations? If you say “yes” or even “maybe” to any of the aforementioned, your roof warrants a closer look.

#2 – Roof Anatomy Conditions

Below the roof itself, you’ll find the underlayment and flashing. The underlayment is the second layer of the roof, designed as the foundation for where the tiles and shingles are positioned above it. The flashing meanwhile, provides additional protection for the vulnerable vertices and joints of the roof, where water intrusion may be especially likely.

While you won’t be able to determine whether or not either one of these roofing components is damaged or failing — or even missing altogether — by a mere glance, they do still warrant a pre-hurricane-season inspection in large part because they provide your roof’s first defense against the heavy rainstorms to come.

#3 – Interior Conditions

Next on our checklist, we’ll ask you to step inside. Specifically, you’ll want to enter your attic or uppermost crawl space, as the current overall condition of these areas can shed valuable light on the respective condition of your roof.

Should you find any leaks, damp spots, water stains, or even prolific mold, there is a fair chance that your roof has suffered unseen damage that has led to moisture intrusion. Cracks in other areas of your ceiling — or even your walls — may indicate the necessity for roof repairs.

#4 – Environmental Conditions

Are there areas around your home’s foundations where water is pooling or failing to drain? Are the trees on your property properly trimmed? Have you left out any large items in the surrounding yard that may become hazardous airborne debris come time for a hurricane to sweep in?

Don’t forget — protecting your roof doesn’t start with the roofing surface and end with the attic; it’s also about the state of the environment surrounding your entire property, the likes of which can be vulnerable to the windy whims of a tropical cyclone.

#5 – Roof Management

The final item you should always check off on your pre-hurricane-season roofing checklist? Scheduling a routine maintenance appointment with your locally-trusted professionals.

While performing your own inspection at home may provide you with insight as to what problems may already exist with your roof, skilled professionals will be able to more thoroughly investigate the materials at hand, offering you a comprehensive report on what elements require maintenance and how it can be accomplished.

That’s why Universal Roof & Contracting provides FREE inspections!

Having worked with residents and business owners across both Central Florida and Jacksonville for over 27 years, we understand the importance of preparing your property for the annual onslaught of tropical systems.

Let us help you weather the storms to come. Start today by contacting our team at 855-ROOF-HELP — You’ll find the difference is universal with us!