Perhaps you’ve had the chance to get hurricane ready this season or maybe you’ve put it off until a warning is issued, either way part of the preparation is inspecting and repairing your roof. Apart from your family and loved ones, your home is the second most important thing that you want to protect during this type of storm. As your largest single investment it behooves you to make sure it can withstand a hurricane and protect from this type of catastrophic event. Having experienced several of these ourselves, we at Workman’s Friend understand the need to have your home ready for this type of event. That’s why we’re offering the following tips to make sure your roof, your most vulnerable area in your home, is ready.
Related: Reducing the Dangers of Commercial Roofing
Inspect
Before you get up on that ladder and inspect your home’s roof yourself, pick up the phone. If you live in a hurricane prone area, it is recommended that you get an annual roof inspection by a professional. A trained specialist has the knowledge and experience to spot the weaknesses and deficiencies on your roof and whether it can handle a hurricane. The professional will inspect the interior of your roof to determine if it has been weakened by any water or mold over the season. They will also be on the watch for loose shingles, leaks, and cracked caulk. As the homeowner you will receive a detailed report of your roof’s health including recommendations as to what could be done to improve it.
Insurance
It’s important that you take the time to read your home’s insurance policy from cover to cover. Make sure it describes how it will cover the full cost of construction if you lose the roof or even the house during a hurricane. Some insurance companies do not cover residential roofing. They may help with repairs to the home but don’t bother with the roof. Additionally, it’s crucial that you have both hurricane and flood insurance. Many people think they’re adequately covered with only hurricane coverage. They often forget the flooding that usually occurs after a storm.
Gutters and Drains
Your drainage system can play a huge role in easing the extent of storm damage-providing it’s clean. Using a garden hose, hoe, and even your hands make sure there are no leaves, branches, or anything else clogging your eve troughs and the rest of your drainage system. When the hurricane rains hit you want the water to flow freely to the ground. Apply Workman’s Friend Barrier Skin Cream before you begin unclogging and your skin will be shielded from any dirt or grime you find in your gutters. Once you are finished hands are cleaned with a quick wash or single wipe and skin is moisturized.If you are concerned with the size of the project, you may want to hire a contractor to help you effectively clean out your gutters.
Straps
Depending on where you live in the United States, roof straps are required by law for all homes in hurricane-prone areas. These metal straps help strengthen the roof and make it more resistant to failure when subjected to high winds. The anchors are required to have less than half-an-inch gap from the truss. These straps are not something we recommend you install yourself. Instead, call a professional who can secure them properly and provide you with a guarantee.
Prepared
In the event of a hurricane your responsibility should always be to ensure your family is safe and sound. Second to that is to safeguard your home. Not only is it your largest single financial investment, but it will probably be your only shelter and place of safety during and after the storm. Certainly there are many types of damage you cannot prevent during such a catastrophic event. But if you can follow the suggestions we’ve outlined above, you will potentially incur less damage and have greater piece of mind.
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Workman’s Friend Barrier Skin Cream is light-weight and odorless, making it a perfect lotion to use when working on roof repairs. With an application of our non-greasy formula before you start work, means when you’re done a simple wipe of the hands and you’re clean.