Miami, FL is known for being vulnerable to hurricanes and severe tropical storms. While the official hurricane season spans June through November, hurricanes can occur in any month. It’s wise to evaluate the health of your roof as soon as possible to be ready for whatever Mother Nature dishes out this year. Here are some ways to prepare your roof for the coming storm season.
Look for Damage
Shingle roofs can start to warp and curl after years of taking a beating from the elements. These are tell-tale signs that you’re going to need a roof replacement in the near future. Before the start of storm season, you should look for loose shingles, shingles that are starting to crack, or those that are losing their coating. If you see a lot of shingle granules in your gutter, you should call an expert roofer to evaluate your roof.
Inspect the Underside of Your Roof
To do this, you will need to crawl into the attic or crawl space that separates your home’s roof from the ceiling inside. If you can see light coming through anywhere, it needs to be addressed immediately. Water can get through anywhere light can. One big rainstorm and you could be dealing with serious water damage inside your home. Not only will you need to foot the bill for a new roof, but you may also need to replace the insulation and ceilings inside your home. Miami can get a lot of rain, so you want to make sure your roof can do its job.
Inspect and Clean the Gutters
Your home’s gutter system is considered a component of the roof. It is what directs that water away from your home’s foundation and to a well-drained area. If a big rainstorm comes through, and your gutters are clogged with debris, the water will begin to pool rather than drain away. This can cause damage to your siding and foundation. The same thing can happen if your gutters are old and leaking. You may want to consider gutter guards to keep the debris out of your gutters and maintain a proper flow of water away from your home.
Consider the Age of Your Roof
Shingle roofs can last anywhere from 15 to 50 years, depending on the shingles’ materials, shapes, and whether they have been treated for fire or algae resistance. If your shingles are older than the anticipated lifespan for their type, you should consider getting your entire roof replaced. Shingles weaken over time due to moisture and sun exposure. This means that even though an older roof might not have any loose shingles at the moment, a strong storm could easily rip them off. Rather than getting caught off-guard and having to deal with a leaky roof after the storm passes, take a proactive approach and replace your old roof now.
If your home is damaged by a storm or fire, give us a call at Top Flight 1 to help with your insurance claim. We are the top public claims adjuster on the eastern Florida coast. We also can also help you with your insurance claim for water and flood damage, mold damage, and more. Call us today to learn more about our services!
