Hurricane Roof Damage: How to Prepare for Atlantic Hurricane Season

How to Protect Your Roof Before Hurricane Season

As the Atlantic hurricane season approaches, it’s important to take proactive measures to protect your home, especially your roof, which is the first line of defense against severe storms. Roofs are particularly vulnerable to wind, rain, and flying debris during hurricanes, making it essential to prepare ahead of time.

Join our residential roofing experts from Allied Roofing Solutions as we outline the key steps you can take to ensure your roof's structure is ready to withstand the harsh conditions of major storms, helping you avoid costly repairs and keep your home safe.

What Risks Do Hurricanes Pose to Roofs? 

Hurricanes pose significant risks to roofing systems, as roof decks and asphalt shingles can fall victim to the catastrophic combination of strong winds, heavy rain, flying debris, standing water, and even lightning strikes. These powerful storms can cause a range of issues, from minor damage to severe structural issues. Understanding the specific risks is crucial for homeowners to adequately prepare and protect their roofs during hurricane season. 

Wind Damage

Strong winds can lift, tear, or completely remove shingles and other roofing materials. Wind can also cause damage by shifting roof sections or creating gaps where water can seep through, leading to further issues.

Water Damage

Heavy, wind driven rain during hurricanes can lead to water intrusion through damaged or compromised roofing materials. Leaks can develop around missing or loose shingles, damaged flashing, or deteriorated seals, allowing water to seep into the attic and interior spaces of the home. 

Debris Impact

Atlantic hurricanes often generate flying debris, including branches, tree limbs, and even larger objects propelled by strong winds. When these objects collide with roofs, they can cause significant damage, such as punctured shingles, broken tiles, and dented metal roofing. 

Structural Stress

Roofs that are not adequately anchored or reinforced may experience bending, sagging, or even collapse under the pressure of high winds. Additionally, the uplift forces created by hurricane winds can exert upward pressure on roofs, further increasing the risk of damage and detachment.

Cracked or Curled Shingles

Hurricanes can exacerbate issues with aging shingles, causing them to crack, curl, or even break free. Missing or damaged asphalt shingles leave the underlying roof exposed to further damage from wind, water, and debris.

Clogged Gutters

Hurricanes can cause gutters to detach or become clogged with debris, preventing them from properly channeling water away from your roof. This can lead to water backing up and causing leaks or even more severe structural damage.

Lightning Strikes

While not as frequent, lightning strikes can cause immediate damage to roofing systems, potentially igniting fires or creating holes that allow rainwater to seep through and cause roof leaks within the interior of your home.

How to Prevent Hurricane Roof Damage

Preventing hurricane roof damage requires a proactive approach to ensure your home’s roofing system is ready to withstand the intense conditions that come with these powerful storms. While hurricanes cannot be avoided, taking steps to fortify your roof can significantly reduce the risk of costly roof repairs or a full roof replacement.

Inspect and Repair Your Roof Regularly

The first step in preventing hurricane damage is to regularly inspect your roof for any signs of wear and tear. Look for missing, cracked, or curled shingles, as well as any loose flashing or damaged gutters. Even small issues can be amplified during a hurricane. If you spot any damage, it’s important to address it right away by hiring a professional, trusted roofing contractor to make the necessary repairs.

Ensure Proper Roof Installation

If your roof is older or has sustained prior storm damage, it may not have been installed to withstand hurricane-force winds. Hiring a professional roofer to assess the installation quality and, if needed, upgrade the roof's structure can make a huge difference.

Strengthen the Roof with Impact-Resistant Materials

Consider upgrading to impact-resistant shingles that are specifically designed to withstand high winds and flying debris. These materials are built to handle the harsh conditions of a hurricane and can greatly reduce the risk of shingle damage.

Clear Debris from the Roof and Gutters

Before hurricane season begins, thoroughly clean your roof and gutters to remove any leaves, branches, or other debris that could become projectiles during a storm. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep under shingles, leading to leaks. Keeping your gutters clear will help ensure that water flows off the roof properly, reducing the risk of water damage and mold growth.

Reinforce Flashing and Seals

Flashing is a critical part of the roof’s ability to prevent water intrusion, especially around vents, chimneys, and skylights. Ensure that the flashing is tightly secured and free from gaps or corrosion. If you notice any signs of wear, have a professional inspect and replace the flashing.

Trim Trees and Remove Overhanging Branches

Flying debris, such as tree branches, can cause significant damage to your roof. Trim any trees on your property, especially those with overhanging branches, to reduce the risk of them falling onto your roof during a storm.

Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Hiring a licensed expert to conduct a professional roof inspection before hurricane season is one of the best ways to ensure that it is prepared for a storm. Professional roofing contractors can identify hidden issues, reinforce weak spots, and make necessary upgrades to help prevent damage during a hurricane.

How to Prepare for a Roofing Emergency

In addition to taking proactive measures to strengthen your roof and minimize the risk of damage during hurricanes, it's essential to develop a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. Doing so will protect your home and family in the event of a severe weather event. By planning ahead and knowing what to do before, during, and after a hurricane, you can minimize the impact of roof damage and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in your household. 

Consider the following steps to enhance your emergency preparedness for hurricanes:

• Develop a family emergency plan
• Prepare an emergency kit
• Secure outdoor items
• Reinforce doors and windows
• Stay informed and evacuate if necessary
• Document roof damage and contact your insurance provider
• Review your warranty agreement with your roofing company

How to Identify a Damaged Roof After a Storm

Following a hurricane, it's crucial to inspect your roof for signs of damage to assess its condition and determine if any roof repairs or maintenance are necessary. Even if your roof does not appear to have any visible damage from ground level, it may have sustained hidden damage that could compromise its integrity.

Look for:

• Missing or Damaged Shingles: Check for missing, cracked, or torn shingles, or those that are curled, lifted, or detached, indicating wind or debris damage.
• Granule Loss: Excessive granules in gutters or on the ground may signal wind or hail damage, exposing asphalt to UV degradation.
• Leaks and Water Stains: Inspect attic, ceilings, and walls for water spots, dampness, or discoloration, which could indicate roof leaks and water infiltration.
• Sagging or Uneven Roofline: Look for a sagging or uneven roofline, which may signal structural damage or compromised roof supports.
• Damage to Flashing and Sealants: Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for cracks, gaps, or missing sealant, which can lead to leaks.
• Debris Accumulation: Clear debris like branches and leaves from the roof and gutters to ensure proper drainage and prevent water buildup.

Get a Free Estimate on a Hurricane Ready Roof Today

Atlantic hurricane season can bring unexpected damage to your roof, but with the right preparation, you can protect your home. At Allied Roofing Solutions, we offer FREE estimates on our roofing services to safeguard your home against storm damage.

Don’t wait until the next storm hits—reach out today by calling us at  (201) 773-0633 or using our contact form to get started.We provide comprehensive roofing solutions to homeowners throughout New Jersey, including Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Somerset County, New York, including Orange County, and Pennsylvania, including Bucks County, Monroe County, and the surrounding areas.