Is your commercial roof ready for Florida’s storm season? The severe storm season starts on June 1 and ends on November 30, with the most active months being August and September. With this in mind, it’s best to start ensuring your roof is ready as soon as possible.
The Threat of Severe Storms on Your Commercial Roof
When most business owners think of severe weather in Florida, they think of hurricanes and tropical storms. However, a severe thunderstorm can also bring high winds, torrential downpours and roof-damaging hail. This guide from our experienced roofers at Perry Roofing can help you get your roof ready for the rainy season.
1. Have Your Roof Professionally Inspected
The first step to making sure your commercial roofing system is ready for storm season is by having it professionally inspected. Commercial roof inspections can find the most common roofing defects, including improper installation, premature granule loss and cracking on asphalt roofs and puddling from clogged drainage components.. It can also locate improper roofing repairs that were performed using the wrong materials. Not to mention, regular inspections and repairs can help keep your roof’s warranty valid.
2. Have Needed Maintenance and Repairs Performed Prior to Florida’s Storm Season
If the roofing inspection found any excessively worn areas of the roof, premature degradation, improper repairs or a roof that’s beyond its useful life, make sure to have those problems corrected. A commercial roof that’s had all of its needed maintenance and is in good condition has a better chance of withstanding the upcoming hurricane season.
3. Make Sure the Equipment on Your Roof is Properly Secured
Many commercial roofs have their mechanical systems located on the roof. This includes the HVAC system, building vents and fan units. Rooftop satellite dishes and antennas are also common. All of this equipment should be inspected to make sure it is properly secured to your roof. Improperly secured equipment can loosen or completely fly off during a severe storm, increasing the damage caused to your roof and necessitating the repair or replacement of the mechanical system that became loose or dislodged.
4. Get Storm Damage Repaired Immediately
Once the storm has passed, you should have your roof inspected by a professional roofing company to determine if the storm caused any damage. Getting an inspection directly after the storm can help locate additional areas where water is puddling on your roof, find any cracks, holes or tears in your flat roof, locate missing shingles or tiles on your asphalt or clay tile roof and find any gaps in the roofing material where flashing or machinery may have become dislodged. If there is damage, a roofing inspection can provide you with the information you need to file a claim with your insurance company to have the damage repaired.
To get your Florida commercial roof professionally inspected and repaired prior to storm season, contact us or give us a call at 352-373-2724.