This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on prepping your roof for hurricanes. Discover the crucial steps to safeguard your roof in the upcoming hurricane season. Our guide covers routine inspections, roof reinforcement techniques, and the selection of hurricane-resistant roofing materials. The source material for this post is derived directly from the Owens Corning blog.
Is Your Roof Hurricane-Ready?
Hurricane Preparedness Week was a few weeks ago (April 30th – May 6th) according to the National Weather Service, but it’s always smart to be prepared for hurricane season, which extends through to the fall. For Louisiana residents, prepping your roof for hurricanes should be a key component of your annual home maintenance.
Timelines for the 2023 Hurricane Season
The official Atlantic hurricane season, as per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), spans from June 1st to November 30th, though hurricanes may occur outside these dates. Homeowners in high-risk areas (like Louisiana) are urged to prep their roofs well in advance.
Roofs equipped with specialty roofing products, like high wind-resistant shingles, are engineered to withstand the rigors of strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Anticipating the 2023 Hurricane Season
Predicting the number and intensity of hurricanes each season is a complex science. According to senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, Dan Kottlowski, the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is projected to be average, with 11-15 named storms, 4-8 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes.
However, it’s crucial to remember that hurricane predictions are only estimates, influenced by a wide range of factors such as historical data and ocean temperatures.
Strategies for Hurricane Safety
Hurricanes are an inevitable part of life for those living near the ocean. Here are some essential steps to safeguard your home and loved ones:
- Comply with evacuation orders.
- Create an emergency plan.
- Stock up on supplies.
- Prepare for power outages.
- Prep your home by boarding up windows, clearing gutters and downspouts, and securing outdoor equipment.
Instead of wasting valuable time boarding up windows, consider installing Hurricane shutters. Learn the benefits of both hurricane shutters and impact windows (and which is right for your home) from this Jim Olivier’s Home Improvement blog post.
Safeguarding Your Roof During a Hurricane
Roofs, due to their elevated exposure and expansive surface area, are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes. Roof shingles are susceptible to being ripped off by wind or compromised by flying debris. This exposes the underlying underlayment and leaves your home more vulnerable to the pounding rain. Once your shingles are gone, water can seep through the roof deck, into your walls and ceilings, causing considerable damage.
Here’s how you can prep your roof for hurricane season:
Scheduling a Pre-Hurricane Season Inspection
To effectively prep your roof for hurricane season, it’s best to start with a thorough inspection. Identifying and addressing potential problems before the hurricane season begins can significantly increase your roof’s chances of withstanding severe storms. Contact Roofing Louisiana to check for loose or cracked shingles and damaged flashing. This is also an opportune time to explore options for reinforcing your roof against high winds.
Selecting High-Quality Materials
The materials you choose for your roof can significantly impact the extent and type of damage your home may sustain during a storm. For this reason, roofing contractors, builders, and insurance companies recommend using products that have undergone wind performance tests and have proven their effectiveness in real-life situations.
Examples of such products are Owens Corning’s Duration® shingles with SureNail® Technology, which offer triple-layered protection, and Oakridge® shingles, which provide double-layered nailing zone protection. Homeowners who have used these products have reported their roofs withstanding the force of hurricanes such as Hurricane Ian in 2022 (not a guarantee.
Another option to consider when prepping your roof for hurricanes is Underlayment Products. If you’re building a new home in a storm-prone area or getting a new roof, consider engineered underlayment products for added protection during storm season. Synthetic Underlayments provide an additional layer of protection between the wood decking and the shingles to guard against wind-driven rain. Self-Adhered Underlayments, such as ice and water barriers, are designed to protect areas where water collects or flows, including valleys, vents, chimneys, and skylights.
As an Owens Corning Platinum Preference Contractor, Roofing Louisiana not only recommends their high-quality roofing materials (like Class IV Duration Storm Shingles), but we replace full roof systems. Our workmanship is guaranteed by both us and Owens Corning.
There’s another layer of protection. <wink> <wink>
Be Proactive
When it comes to hurricanes, being proactive is far superior to reacting to an emergency.
- Trim trees of low-hanging branches if they are touching, or close to, your roof.
- Keep your home hurricane-ready with regular inspections.
- When replacing your roof, use high-quality products for better defense and better warranties.
Taking proactive measures to protect your home could earn you discounts on your homeowner’s insurance. Some states even mandate insurance providers to offer discounts to homeowners who comply with hurricane-related building codes.
Consult a Roofing Expert
If your roof is showing signs of wear and tear or you’d like a pre-hurricane season inspection, contact Roofing Louisiana. We can guide you through the benefits of repair versus total roof replacement and advise you on the best strategies to prep your roof for hurricane season.
