With the height of hurricane season upon us, it’s important to take some extra steps for protecting your commercial roof. This will help it avoid damage during the storm, and allow any damage that does occur to be found and addressed quickly. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started. We also have a more detailed, downloadable PDF checklist available.
FLORIDA COMMERCIAL ROOF HURRICANE SEASON CHECKLIST
Check the Landscape
Trim trees that have branches that stretch over the roof or are close to the roof’s edge. Reduce the size of overgrown shrubs, too, so you or your roofers can easily gain access to the roof from outside.
Secure Loose Items Around the Property
Everything from landscape tools to trash cans can be blown around in a powerful hurricane. Store everything like this in a secure location. If a hurricane is actually in the forecast, it’s best to take these items inside.
Clean the Drainage Components
Rain, not wind, is often the most damaging aspect of a hurricane. Make sure the torrential downpours have somewhere good to go by clearing the drainage system (gutters, rooftop drains, and scuppers) of any debris.
Remove or Secure Any Potentially-Mobile Objects on the Roof
Tools, debris, and other objects on the roof can cause damage to the roofing membrane. Remove all of these entirely so they can’t be turned into missiles by high winds. Then, make sure any permanent installations, such as air conditioning units, are properly bolted down. This will help keep them from being ripped out of their moorings by the wind and leaving a trail of damage as they are blown across the roof.
Get a Roof Inspection
It’s best to get your roof inspected both before and after a storm. Before a storm, any problem areas can be repaired so that they better resist the stress of hurricane winds and rain. After, the inspection will reveal anything that did get damaged so that it can be fixed right away.
Get Needed Repairs Done
If your roof inspection reveals any problems, get them fixed right away so storms can’t make them worse.
By taking these steps, along with those in our downloadable checklist, you’ll get your roof as prepared for a hurricane as possible. To schedule a roof inspection or get repairs done, contact us here at Perry Roofing. We’ll be glad to help you get ready for the height of hurricane season.