Hurricane Check
Roof System Hurricane Checklist- Be Prepared
By Charlie Grindrod President, Roofworks of Florida
Well it’s that time of year again, hurricane season is upon us. *NOAA’s National Weather Service is forecasting an 85% chance for an above average storm season with 14-23 named storms 8-14 are predicted to be hurricanes with the likelihood that 3-7 could become major hurricanes.
Unfortunately we cannot prevent these weather anomalies from happening, but we can be proactive in taking steps to help protect ourselves and our belongings. One of the most important steps to take is to protect the exterior envelope of your residence or commercial building.
I’m sure all of you are aware of the need to board up windows and doors to help protect from flying debris and wind forces during a storm but what you may not have considered is the need to inspect your roof system and take steps to protect it. Your buildings roof system is arguably one of the most import aspects of your structures exterior building envelope. Your buildings roof system protects your loved ones, your belongings, even the structure itself from the elements and by taking a few important steps you can help to minimize or possibly prevent potential problems before they arise.
Below is a list of the most common items which can help to minimize damage in the event of a storm.
· Check for and remove any debris on your roof top and in your gutters and downspouts.
· Inspect your roof for loose, broken or missing shingles or tiles and replace as
necessary.
· Inspect all wall flashings and ensure that they are sealed properly and make repairs as necessary.
· Inspect all chimney caps and ensure they are properly fastened.
· Inspect all roof vents and vent covers and ensure they are installed properly,
pay close attention to lead vent covers as squirrels love to chew the lead, many times
creating an active or potential leak area.
· Remove all tree branches that overhang your roof or that are within 2-3 feet of the edge of your roof, not only is there a concern of them breaking off completely and damaging your roof, but they can also be blown around by wind and could catch shingles and tiles and rip, tear or break them off creating a leak or worse yet a breach
in your building’s exterior envelope.
· Skylights should be inspected to insure they are fastened, flashed and sealed properly and that the fasteners are not overly corroded. You should also check to be sure your existing skylights meet the current Florida Building Code requirement for wind and impact resistance.
If you feel uncomfortable with getting up on your roof to complete any of these inspections and/or repairs we would be happy to do so for you.
Roofworks of Florida provides roof inspection, and repair services, we are fully licensed and insured, license #’s CCC1329307 and CGC062890
If you would like to learn more about our services visit us online at www.roofworksfl.com
*source: http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/figure1.gif
