Hurricanes are a serious threat to the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Historically, roughly three major hurricanes hit the United States every five years, and in recent years that average has increased. In 2017 alone, hurricanes caused roughly $282 billion in damage to the United States and the Caribbean, with one storm, Harvey, accounting for almost half that total in Texas and Louisiana.

As hurricanes continue to threaten coastal states, property owners in these regions must reckon with the damage they can cause. No part of your building is more susceptible to hurricane damage than your roof, and special considerations should be made to help your roof weather the storm. Below, we’ll talk about how to prepare your roof for hurricane season, and what to do if a major storm hits your area.

 

Hurricane Season in the United States

The Atlantic Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30^th. The states most vulnerable to hurricanes in the U.S. are Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia (though, as Irene demonstrated in 2011, hurricanes can make landfall along the entire Atlantic coast). As summer approaches, anyone with property along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts should be sure that they’re prepared for the possibility of a major storm.

 

Hurricane Hazards

In order to protect against hurricanes, it’s important to be aware of the specific hazards they pose and how they can damage a roof. There are four main hazards to consider:

HEAVY WINDS

By definition, hurricanes produce sustained winds of at least 74 mph, and major storms produce winds upwards of 150 mph. While most roofs can hold up against typical wind gusts, the intense, sustained winds found in hurricane conditions can be severely destructive, tearing away unprotected roof components like flashing or gutters.

RAIN

Hurricanes and tropical storms drop an average of 16 inches of rain, with about 75% of total rainfall occurring during a 24-hour period after hitting land. Especially destructive storms can bring much more: Hurricane Harvey, believed by meteorologists to be the greatest single rainfall event in U.S. history, dropped almost 52 inches of rain. Heavy, persistent rainfall can be catastrophic to weakened or compromised roofs, causing structural weakening and leakage.

FLASH FLOODING

One consequence of heavy rainfall is flooding, which in a hurricane can happen rapidly. Water pooling can put tremendous stress on flat roofs, as well as drainage systems, and flooding can make it difficult or impossible to access your roof for days.

DEBRIS

Everything from tin cans to tree limbs can become deadly projectiles under hurricane force winds, exposing roofs to puncture and breakage.

 

How to Prepare Your Roof for a Hurricane

There are a number of measures you should take to make sure your roof is in good shape to withstand a hurricane, both year-round and when a storm is approaching. Below are some recommendations.

 

What to Do Before Hurricane Season Begins

PERFORM REGULAR ROOF MAINTENANCE

Keeping a routine maintenance schedule for your roof is a good idea under any circumstances, but it can save a lot of time and energy, and prevent serious damage, in the event that a hurricane hits your area. Check your roof regularly for wear and disrepair, especially around seams, joints, and flashing, and remove loose items and debris. Replace any rusted metal components or rotted wood, especially around curbs.

It’s a good idea to have your roof professionally inspected each year before June 1, and to address any issues of damage or wear. If your roof has multiple repair issues, you may consider a full roof restoration to bring it back into shape. While inspecting your roof, and after any repairs or restoration, be sure to document its condition with photos. This could be crucial if you have to file an insurance claim after the storm.

REMOVE OVERHANDING TREE BRANCHES

Have a tree service remove any limbs or weakened trees that could damage your roof in a high-wind storm.

CLEAR GUTTERS

Regularly clean gutters and remove blockage or clutter. It’s also important to keep your roof clean, so potential obstructions like leaves and dirt can’t make it into your drainage system. Water pooling from blocked drains can be severely damaging. Also, confirm that gutters and drainpipes are properly anchored, and replace any rusted components.

 

What to Do When A Hurricane Is on Its Way

DO A STORM INSPECTION OF YOUR ROOF

Check all roof-mounted equipment, such as air conditioners, satellite dishes, etc., to be sure that they are tightly and properly anchored. Check vents and stacks for the same, and make sure all flashing is properly secured. Remove any debris and loose items—they can clog drains, damage buildings, and potentially injure someone if taken away by wind.

Check for signs of rust, rot, or damage, including leaky seams, loose joints, and gaps. Regular inspection and/or restoration should prevent this kind of wear, but it’s important to confirm that your roof is in good shape before a storm, and to repair any damage immediately.

CHECK FOR BLOCKS IN THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Make sure that your gutters and drainpipes are poised to handle heavy rainfall by checking for blockage and pooling.

SECURE GUTTERS AND EQUIPMENT WITH STORM STRAPS

Make sure that gutters and roof-mounted equipment are properly braced for high winds with straps designed to anchor them to the structure.

PROTECT SKYLIGHTS

If your roof has skylights, be sure they are covered with plywood or caps, to prevent breakage and potential flooding.

SECURE HATCHES

Confirm that access hatches are adequately secured.

SECURE LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS

If your roof has a lightning protection system, confirm that all cables and aerials are connected and properly secured. Disconnected cables will prevent the system from functioning properly, exposing your building to fire danger, and loose equipment can become airborne in high winds.

PREPARE FOR AFTER THE STORM

Even the best prepared roof can suffer some damage from a major hurricane. You may want to take steps beforehand to make any action after the storm easier. Consider scheduling a post-storm inspection before the hurricane hits, and be sure to document the condition of your roof. Many insurance policies raise deductibles on damage inflicted by named storms, so it’s a good idea to review your policy and budget for repairs if you can.

 

 

What to Do After the Storm Hits

INSPECT AND ASSESS

Check your roof damage. Pay special attention to vents and stacks, flashing, seams, joints, and equipment.

CHECK FOR DANGEROUS DAMAGE

Before letting anyone into your building, be sure no parts of the roof have been damaged to the extent that they may fall or collapse.

CHECK FOR LEAKS

Water is a persistent creature, and it can find its way through spaces imperceptible to a routine post-storm inspection. Be sure to check your building for signs of roof leakage in order to prevent mold or water damage.

DOCUMENT DAMAGE

Take photos of damaged areas on your roof. They’ll be extremely valuable during the claims process.

CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY IF YOUR ROOF IS DAMAGED

If you have roof damage, you’ll want to get the claims process going as soon as possible, since you’ll likely be entering a very long queue of property owners who have sustained damage.

CALL A CONTRACTOR

Roofing professionals, too, will be very busy after a hurricane, so be sure to schedule repairs as soon as possible. Hire a contractor you trust—episodes of high demand like hurricanes often bring out unscrupulous and opportunistic sorts.

REPLACE? OR RESTORE AND PROTECT?

If your roof has sustained severe damage, you’ll have to make the decision of whether to replace or restore it. In some cases, such as if your roof has been structurally compromised, you’ll have no choice but to replace it. In many cases, however, restoration is a more sensible, economical, and sustainable option that can not only address immediate repairs but also protect your roof for decades to come.

 

Conclusion

Hurricanes are a serious and inevitable threat to people and property along America’s coasts. Major storms can cause billions of dollars in damage, and no part of your building is more exposed than your roof. But with diligent preparation, including regular maintenance and restoration, hurricanes can be withstood, and roof damage mitigated.