How to Prepare Your Roof for Hurricane Season in Palm Beach County

Homeowners in Palm Beach County, follow these essential tips to protect your roof from damage this Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30

Colorado State University (CSU) hurricane researchers predict an above-average hurricane season for 2022. CSU forecast 19 named storms, with nine expected to become hurricanes and four to reach major hurricane strength.

As unpredictable as forecasts can be, it only takes one storm to destroy your home in Palm Beach County. Homeowners should prepare now to protect their property. The current rainy season is underway through October, and more reason to schedule roof repairs to protect it from emergency leaks and significant storm damage.

Inspect Your Roof System Now Before It’s Too Late

A sturdy, strong roof is a safe roof. Wind and rain can get through a damaged roof, seeping into your home and potentially causing harm. Determine the strength of your roof by inspecting the roof system, penetrations, off-ridge vents, and ridge vents, and look for leaks outside of the home, like the garage and inside the house.

What to Do Before a Hurricane

Here are a few ways you can reduce damage to your home as a storm approaches:

  1. Perform roof inspections and repairs now before contractors get too busy from the rain season.
  2. Clear all gutters and drains of debris and leaves
  3. Review your roof warranty and insurance policy related to acts of God, hurricanes, hail, lightning, and water damages.
  4. Service your generator and purchase reserve fuel
  5. Close all doors and windows during a storm
  6. Install shutters or use plywood to cover openings
  7. Trim trees and bushes away from your home
  8. Secure loose items outside to prevent them from flying into the house.

What to Do After a Hurricane 

  1. Check for roof leaks inside the home, attic, and garage.
  2. Cover and protect valuable items from water damage
  3. Document roof damages to your house with photos and video
  4. Call your insurance provider first to file a claim.
  5. Call an approved roofing contractor to repair or provide a temporary dry-in using a tarp.
  6. Do not attempt to make emergency repairs yourself. It can be hazardous. 

Steps for Roof Replacement After a Hurricane 

If you need a roof replacement, review the steps below from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety to make sure you’re getting the best roof for your home in Boynton Beach:

  • Remove the original rooftop and underlayment to the roof deck.
  • Inspect the roof deck for damage, and replace damaged sections to provide a sound structure by the Florida Building code.
  • Re-fasten the roof deck (staples are not permitted; ring shank nails are ideal).
  • Seal the roof deck. A roof deck with sealed seams helps keep water out of the roof cover lost or damaged.
  • Replace roof-mounted vents with vents that meet Florida Building Code Test Standard TAS 100(A). These vents resist wind and water intrusion.
  • Install metal drip edge at all eaves and rakes to keep wind-driven rain out.
  • Install metal flashings properly.
  • Install a new rooftop membrane per the manufacturer’s high-wind installation requirements.

Get A Hurricane Roof Inspection Today

Take action now to perform inspections and make repairs on your roof before a major storm hits. SeaBreeze Roofing is here to help. Call us at 561-292-3457 or click here.