What Steps Should a Commercial Building Owner Take to Prepare Their Roof For Hurricane Season?
The Florida hurricane season begins in June and runs until November 30th. Before the arrival of serious storms, commercial building owners in Florida can take various steps to prepare. Some of these steps might be obvious, while others are more subtle. Whatever the case may be, there is only so much you can do to protect your building against the wrath of Mother Nature. Various steps are also crucial after the storm passes, such as repairing your commercial roof in Florida.
Take Photographs of Your Roof Before the Storms Arrive
One of the less obvious steps is to take photographs of your roof before any storms arrive. This won’t stop your roof from incurring damage, but it might make your property insurance claim easier down the road. Insurance companies are infamous for rejecting claims based on “pre-existing damage,” so a few “before-and-after” photos can help you prove that the damage was not pre-existing.
Consider the Threat of Nearby Trees
You might also want to consider the threat of nearby trees. If there are weak or old trees along the edge of your property, they could potentially topple over and damage your roof. Consider calling an arborist and see if you can have some of these trees removed. If removing trees is impossible, consider pruning branches that come too close to your property. During high winds, these branches could come loose and fall onto your roof, potentially causing damage.
Conduct a Quick Visual Inspection
A quick visual inspection may help you understand potential areas of concern. For example, you might spot loose objects strewn about your roof. You might also notice missing tiles, leaks, or areas of pooled water. Whatever the case may be, you should not rely solely on a visual inspection to diagnose your roof’s condition. You might also need to call a roofing contractor to conduct a more in-depth inspection.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Another obvious step is to clean your gutters and downspouts (if you can access them). If your gutters are filled with debris, your roof might not drain properly – and this increases the chances of leaks. Consider speaking with a roofing contractor in Florida for more information about your building’s specific gutter or drainage system.
Review the Roof’s Maintenance History
If you have the roof’s maintenance history on file, it might be worth checking it over before hurricane season. Specifically, you should determine the date of the last inspection or maintenance. Most experts agree that commercial roofs should be inspected by licensed professionals at least twice a year.
Contact Roofing Concepts Unlimited to Prepare for Hurricane Season
A call to Roofing Concepts Unlimited is another smart step in hurricane season preparation. Our experienced roofers can inspect your roof before the storms arrive, allowing you to assess its strength and weather resistance ahead of time. If repairs and upgrades are necessary, we can help you strengthen your roof to avoid unnecessary damage. Remember, investing in your commercial roof before hurricane season can reduce floods, internal damage, and other costly issues. Schedule a consultation with us today to get started.