Hurricane season is upon us. Weather experts predict twelve to fourteen storms this season with five to seven to become hurricanes and two to four are forecasted to become major hurricanes. It will be another active year to say the least. Well, All American Roofing & Coating of FL has been there and done that! Let’s talk about how to prevent some failures to your most protective armor.
Flashing
These are the points on the roof where sheet metal, lead, and other materials seal transitions and terminations. From valleys, vents, skylights, walls, and pipes, flashing is crucial for keeping water out. We recommend sealing these regularly as they tend to need a little updating throughout the years. The Florida sun takes its toll drying out the sealants and wind can push water into these locations causing damages that can be prevented.
Drainage Systems
Gutter and roof drainage systems are an important part of all roof systems, but they are often overlooked when it comes to proper maintenance and care. In fact, they may be considered the “unsung heroes” of roof systems because of their key role in effectively removing water and debris from the roof. Conversely, they also can be the culprit for many types of damage if they cannot handle the heavy amounts of water coming from storms. To protect your gutters from debris you can use mesh screens or a gutter guard. Also, you want to make sure your drains are clear at the top and bottom.
Loose Coverings
Get out the binoculars and look for loose shingles, tiles, and loose fasteners that can be released from the high winds and cause the roof to deteriorate fast. These can also become projectiles that can cause additional damage to your home and surrounding structures as well.
The time to get prepared and inspect your roof is now. If you suspect anything is possibly wrong with your roof, having a licensed professional come to inspect is your next step. Finding these flaws now and getting them repaired, if needed, can save you money before a storm hits and causes more damage to your home!