Mention the word hurricane to just about anyone in Florida and be prepared to hear a not-so-pleasant story about flooding, a damaged roof, days in the dark, or a long and hot evacuation. Whether your own experience was tame or tough in the last few years, it’s time to get ready to face the possibility that a tropical storm or hurricane could sweep through Tampa Bay in 2013. As expert roofers with more than a quarter century of roof replacement and roof repair behind us, Arry’s Roofing wants to help you get ready for a worst case scenario this hurricane season.
Before we get to roof assessment, let’s talk about a few other critical areas to devote some time to before the first named storm of the season arrives. Tampa Bay residents should assemble an emergency kit stocked with all necessary items for evacuating or sheltering in place. Non-perishable food and adequate water supplies will be important along with stocking up on batteries. Make sure you have a First Aid kit handy, and anyone leaving home should carry cash or traveler’s checks along with flares, a tire repair kit, and a fire extinguisher in case you run into trouble on the road. It’s also wise to check your insurance coverage so you are informed about what kind of damage is covered and what’s not covered by your policy.
Before a Hurricane
The roofing system is your home’s most important system of protection so it’s essential to make sure it’s in the proper condition year round. Tampa Bay homeowners can become better prepared for hurricane season in particular by getting a clear picture of what shape your roof is in and responding to any issues accordingly. The first step is a professional evaluation by a licensed and trained roofer.
Arry’s Roofing uses a maintenance checklist when reviewing a roofing system. Each item we review gets graded as “Good”, “OK,” or “Repair.” For general roof conditions, we’re looking at debris on the roof, drainage, any physical damage, attic conditions, and any structural deformation.
Different roofs require slightly different assessments. For example, our inspection for a flat roof will include looking for areas of ponding, while both flat and slopped roof inspections involve looking at roof edges, punctures, and fasteners. We’ll also look for crack or “alligatoring” as well as blisters or “fishmouths” on flat roofs.
Roof features must be examined closely too. Our maintenance checklist includes a review of skylights, HVAC units, base flashings, and much more. Even with a roof in good condition could have problems with the soffit, fascia, chimney, or any other area we routinely check.
Exterior wall surfaces are another area that Arry’s Roofing reviews as part of the pre-storm inspection. We look for cracks or a deformed finish, water staining, and surface deterioration. The interior walls and surfaces are the final area we examine as we look for cracks, water staining, a deformed finish, and door or window leaks.
After a Hurricane
Protecting your assets from costly damage is a primary reason to get emergency repairs done quickly following a hurricane or tropical storm. Even minor damage should be addressed to ensure the proper life expectancy of your roof and provide peace of mind that your roof’s good condition has been restored. Contacting Arry’s Roofing for a post-storm inspection can also reduce the chance of needing roof replacement prematurely.
