How to Prepare Your Roof for Hurricane Season
As a Florida homeowner, you not only need to take care of all the regular maintenance of your home and property, but you also need to be concerned about preparation for the hurricane season. This requires you to do some extra jobs to keep your home safe and secure during times of heavy winds and rains. This will prevent the need to file any property claims in Polk County if your home is damaged during these storms. As the first line of defense against the elements, your roof requires some much-needed maintenance and care. These are a few ways to prepare your roof for hurricane season.
Clean Your Gutters
Many people do not realize that cleaning their gutters will also save them from damage to their roof. However, when water does not have any place to go, it will collect on your roof and cause issues like leaks and collapse. It is recommended to clean your gutters at least every other year to prevent any buildup. Clogged gutters can also damage the foundation of your home or leave hard water stains down your siding.
Inspect for Missing Shingles
Cracked or missing shingles should also be replaced before the issues become too widespread. A few missing shingles on your entire roofline are not a big concern, but when you start to notice more and more, you will want to call your roofers. They can repair these issues quickly before any severe weather comes your way.
Check Your Attic for Any Leaks
Often times, you will not notice any roof leaks until they are already extensive problems, which can happen as hurricanes and heavy rains make their way into your area. However, by taking the time to walk through your attic space, you can identify these leaks when they are still small. It is important to go into your attic to notice any issues with the structural integrity of your roof. If you neglect this step, you can suffer from a much wider leak that can be difficult or even impossible to repair.
Treat Algae or Mold Problems
When water lingers on your roof, it can also cause mold or mildew to start growing. If these issues are neglected, they can turn into some nasty growths that can also have negative lasting health effects. Treat your roof with algaecides to remove any mosses or algae growth and do deep pressure washing to remove any stains or eyesores.
Get a Roof Inspection Before Season Starts
It is recommended to get a roof inspection before hurricane season starts. When you neglect the maintenance on your roof, you will likely never notice issues until it is too late. Your roof is a difficult place to detect problems, making it hard to know what needs to be fixed. Roof inspections can help you to identify any problems and resolve them before they turn into major problems.
These are a few things you should do to care for your roof before hurricane season this year. To keep your home safe during this year, you will want to make sure your roof is strong, durable, and without issues. These repairs and preventative maintenance tasks can also work in your favor during any process filing property claims in Polk County. Contact our adjusters to hear how we can help you through this process today.
