It’s Hurricane Season here in Louisiana, so we need to be extra vigilant about protecting our homes from high winds and flooding. One of the most critical parts of your home to watch is your roof. A hurricane can cause severe damage to your roof, leading to leaks, mold, and structural damage. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how hurricanes can affect the life of your roof and what you can do to protect your home.
How Hurricanes Can Affect Your Roof
As any coastal homeowner knows, hurricanes can cause a lot of damage to properties, even if the storm doesn’t make direct contact. For example, high winds can loosen or break shingles, allowing water to seep in and cause severe damage to the roof deck and underlying structure.
Even if there is no visible damage to the roof, it’s essential to have a professional inspector check for hidden damage after a hurricane. In many cases, wind-driven rain can cause invisible damage that will only become apparent when the next big storm hits. As a result, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have your roof inspected after a hurricane, even if there is no visible damage.
Even if a hurricane does not cause any visible damage to your roof, this does not mean that your home is safe from harm. The high winds associated with storms can loosen shingles and cause them to blow off, leaving your roof vulnerable to further damage from wind and rain. In addition, heavy rains can cause leaks and allow water to enter your home, causing significant damage to your ceiling and walls. Therefore, even if there is no visible damage to your roof after a hurricane, it’s always better to err on caution and inspect your roof.
Here are a few tips for how to hurricane-proof your home
1. Inspect your roof regularly. It is essential to have a professional inspect your roof at least once a year to look for any signs of damage or wear and tear. For example, suppose you live in an area prone to hurricanes. In that case, having your roof inspected before and after each hurricane season is a good idea. This will help ensure any damage is discovered and repaired quickly.
2. Make sure your gutters are clean and in good repair. Gutters play an important role in preventing water damage to your roof by directing water away from your home. If your gutters are clogged or damaged, they will not be able to do their job correctly. Be sure to clean them out regularly and have any repairs made as soon as possible.
3. Trim trees and bushes around your home. Overhanging branches can damage your roof during a hurricane, so it is crucial to keep them trimmed back. If possible, remove any trees or bushes close to your home, as they can act as projectiles during high winds.
4. Install hurricane straps or clips. These devices help secure your roof to the rest of your house and help prevent it from being blown away in high winds. They are inexpensive and easy to install, so there is no excuse not to have them!
5. Invest in impact-resistant windows and doors. Windows and doors are one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane. By investing in impact-resistant windows and doors, you can help minimize the amount of damage that may be caused by flying debris during a storm.
Advantages of Metal Roofing During a Hurricane
Louisiana is tied as the third most hurricane-prone state in the US, with 64 hurricanes which accounts for 21% of hurricanes that made landfall in the US. This means that if you have a standard shingle roof, there’s a good chance it will be damaged or destroyed during a major hurricane. But what if there were a better option? What if there were a roofing material that could withstand hurricane-force winds and protect your home from significant damage? Well, there is—metal roofing. Here are some of the advantages of metal roofing during a hurricane:
1. Wind Resistance – One of the most significant advantages of metal roofing is its wind resistance. In fact, most metal roofs are rated for wind speeds up to 140 mph, which is more than enough to withstand even the strongest hurricanes.
2. Impact Resistance – Another advantage of metal roofing is its impact resistance. This is because metal roofs are typically made with interlocking panels bonded together with fasteners. This makes them much more resistant to flying debris than shingle roofs, which can easily be damaged by flying debris during a hurricane.
3. Waterproof – Metal roofs are also waterproof, which means they won’t leak during a hurricane, like shingle roofs. This is because metal roofs are installed with special sealants and flashing that prevent water from penetrating through the roof.
4. Lightweight – Metal roofs are also much lighter than shingle roofs, which is an important factor during a hurricane. This is because the lighter your roof is, the less likely it is to be blown off by high winds.
5. Energy Efficient – Metal roofs are also very energy efficient, which can be a significant advantage during and after a hurricane. This is because metal roofs reflect heat away from your home, which helps keep your home cooler and reduces air conditioning costs.
6. Long Lasting – Metal roofs also last much longer than shingle roofs—up to 50 years or more with proper care and maintenance. This means you won’t have to worry about replacing your roof after every hurricane season like you would with a shingle roof.
7 . Environmentally Friendly – Metal roofs are also very environmentally friendly since they’re made from recycled materials. They can be recycled when they reach the end of their lifespan.
8 . Increased Home Value – Finally, metal roofs also increase the value of your home should you ever decide to sell it. This is because buyers know metal roofs offer superior protection against hurricanes and other natural disasters.
9 . Easier Maintenance – Metal roofs also generally require less maintenance than shingle roofs over their lifespan since they’re not as susceptible to damage from things like wind, hail, or UV rays.
10 . “Cool” Factor – Let’s not forget that having a metal roof makes your house look cool! Whether the sleek lines of a standing seam metal roof or the vintage look of galvanized steel or aluminum, metal rooves add curb appeal like no other roofing material on the market today.
As you can see, metal roofing has many advantages during a hurricane—including wind resistance, impact resistance, waterproofing, lightweight, energy-efficient, long-lasting, environmentally friendly, and increasing your home’s value. So if you’re looking for a better way to protect your home from hurricanes, consider investing in a metal roof!
Taking steps to protect your roof before a hurricane hits can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Inspecting your roof regularly and ensuring that your gutters are clear of debris are simple but effective ways to prevent damage during a storm. Trimming trees and branches near your home and securing loose items around your property will also help reduce the damage sustained during high winds. And finally, installing hurricane panels or shutters on vulnerable areas such as windows and doors will give you an extra layer of protection against flying debris. Keep these tips in mind the next time a hurricane is headed our way!