South Carolina’s hurricane season runs from June to November. During this time, homes are more exposed to heavy rains and strong winds. That being said, the weeks prior to hurricane season is not the best time check that your home can withstand a heavy storm. Instead, routine maintenance throughout the year will give your roof the best chance at resisting severe weather. In order to prepare your home for hurricane season, it’s important to understand exactly how hurricanes can impact your roof and why you should call in an inspection immediately!
Are you in need of a roof inspection? Call in our team at Homewerx for the job! Our experienced contractors will ensure that your roof is in top condition for any weather conditions that come your way.
Vulnerable Areas to Watch
The most vulnerable places on your roof during a hurricane are areas that can be uplifted by heavy wind. These include windward eaves, corners, and ridges. If a strong wind gets caught under these areas and lifts the materials from the roof, it can put the entire structure at risk. Make special note of these vulnerable areas when preparing for hurricane season.
The Most Common Damage
Take a look at how hurricanes can impact your roof:
Shingles
Shingles are one of the most common items that are damaged during hurricanes. Strong winds can rip shingles directly off of the roof, leaving the interior elements of your roof exposed to wind and rain. If you have wooden shingles, strong winds and rain can cause them to splinter. If you have asphalt shingles, severe weather elements may cause them to crack, or their fasteners may protrude and become displaced.
The type of shingles you have play a significant role in how your roof will withstand a hurricane. Shingles with a 30-year life expectancy are typically less susceptible to hurricane damage than shingles that are meant to last 10 to 20 years. This is because they’re specifically designed to resist wind uplift up to 130 miles per hour.
Damaged Attachments
Shingles aren’t the only items that can be cracked, damaged, or a blown away when a strong wind rolls through. Gutters, satellite dishes, or any other objects that have been attached to your roof have the potential to be displaced during a hurricane. If these objects are ripped from your roof, it leaves the spot where they were attached exposed to water and rain. They could also become projectile items and cause damage to the windows and siding of your home.
Wind Damage
Hurricane-force winds can snap branches and sometimes even uproot trees. If there are large trees around your home, a strong wind could send heavy branches plummeting onto your roof, or a tree could fall on your roof, causing expensive and extensive physical damage. In addition, strong winds can also cause debris like patio furniture, street signs, and anything left outdoors to fly through the air and damage your shingles.
Water Damage
Water damage is another common roof issue many homeowners face during hurricane season. Excessive rain can cause wooden shingles to break and weaken. Although asphalt shingles are better at preventing rain from soaking into your roof, intense rainstorms can still cause them to crack.
Get a Roof Inspection Today!
If you haven’t had your roof inspected recently, now is the time to contact our professional team at Homewerx! Our roofing contractors will evaluate your roof and provide expert advice to ensure it’s ready for the next hurricane. Be confident that your roof is equipped for any severe weather that comes your way. Reach out to our team today!
