Hurricane and Inclement Weather Roofing: How to Prepare Your Roof for the Worst

Summer weather and warmer months mean vacation and outdoor fun.  

But they can also mean inclement, even dangerous, weather, especially for homes in areas that are in the path of hurricanes. But damaging weather can strike anywhere, even if you aren’t on the coast or in a hurricane-prone area. 

You can’t control the weather, but you can help protect your home from storms and their damage.  

How to Protect Your Home from Inclement Weather 

Weather can be dangerous and costly, and there is no absolute protection from storm damage. But you can reduce the impact and increase the protection of your home. Here are a few tips from the experts: 

Regular Roof Inspections 

Schedule roof inspections and maintenance before and after seasonal weather. For example, before the hurricane season starts, have a trained inspector do a thorough inspection. They can find any potential problems. For instance, damaged shingles or flashing that is peeling away from the roof can lead to more expensive repairs if they aren’t corrected early. Have maintenance work and upkeep done before a storm hits. 

If a storm is particularly bad, conduct an inspection. Even if you don’t see damage, there may be hidden problems that can leave you at risk of high-cost repairs if they aren’t taken care of quickly. 

Weather-resistant Roofing Materials 

The materials you select for your roof can provide additional weather protection. For example, impact-resistant shingles may be a little more expensive than asphalt shingles, but they provide considerably more protection against the elements. Synthetic roofing materials are designed and made to provide more protection for your home, especially for hurricanes. These man-made materials are damage-resistant and protect against water, wind, and fire. They are also designed to look like natural materials, so you can get the look you want and the protection you need. 

Metal Roofing 

You may not realize it, but a stylish metal roof can provide excellent protection from storms and inclement weather. Metal protects against impacts that are common in high winds, storms, and hurricanes. Depending on the metal roof, they can also provide protection for wind speeds up to a Category 4 hurricane (150 mph).  

Protecting Your Home from the Weather 

While there is no perfect protection against weather damage, you can take steps to reduce the damage and danger from storms. 

First, evaluate the danger of storms in your area. Then, check with your insurance agent to see what protection they suggest and if updating your roof offers coverage benefits. 

Next, contact your local, certified CertainTeed dealer and set aside time to discuss your roofing options with them. Have them evaluate whether a new roof is necessary or if more work, like reinforcing weak areas on the roof, will provide the protection you need. They may also provide additional tips, like cutting back trees and limbs around the home or removing fallen limbs and debris from the roof. 

In the end, you may not be able to eliminate storm damage, but with proper care and planning you can significantly reduce the impact on you, your family, and your home.