5 Ways to prep your roof for storm season
Hurricane season is one of the great unknowns we deal with here in the south. And while we’ve been lucky so far this year, we still have about three months left of storm season, and there’s no time like the present to get proactive about keeping your home safe. Securing your home starts with making sure your roof is properly installed and waterproof. Here are five ways to prepare your roof for the worst of what storm season may bring.
Schedule your pre-season roof inspection.
We can’t predict the number and severity of storms that might roll through, but we can proactively look at your roof and share any areas of concern along with proposed solutions. The fix may be as simple as nailing down a few loose shingles to stop them from blowing away during a storm. However, we might identify a more significant issue that indicates the need for a roof replacement to protect your loved ones and your home.
At Martinelli Roofing, we offer free roof inspections so you can take what we find and decide whether or not to pursue any recommended repairs or replacements.
2. Trim trees that could fall on the roof or drop debris.
Falling trees can cause extensive damage to your home, especially if they’re located close or are especially large. While specialists recommend pruning trees during the dormant season or early spring, you may not have the luxury of waiting if trees are threatening your roof right now.
You may be able to take care of some of the low-hanging branches yourself. Still, you’ll want to hire a professional to care for any trees so large you’d have to climb a ladder to trim them effectively or ones showing signs of disease or infection that could spread through trimming.
3. Have your gutters cleaned or install new gutters.
Gutters are a critical part of your home’s drainage system. And some Lowcountry homes don’t have gutters at all! If you’re experiencing problems with sitting water around your home’s foundation or you’ve noticed rain pouring over the tops of gutters during recent rainfall, contact us to talk about gutter installation.
4. Understand your insurance coverage.
Homeowners insurance typically covers roof damage caused by a hurricane or other acts of nature. However, it’s up to you to understand how your policy is set up and what it covers. Contact your insurance company before a storm strikes to ask them the following questions:
Would my homeowners insurance cover the cost of a roof replacement if my roof were damaged during the upcoming storm season?
Are there any policy exclusions for wind or hail damage? If yes, how do I update my policy to ensure it has wind coverage?
Does the age of my roof preclude a replacement due to its condition? (If a roof is older, say more than 15 or 20 years, insurance might not cover it, claiming that the roof’s poor condition was at fault for the damage.)
Do I need to meet my deductible before the policy pays? If so, how much is my deductible?
Is my policy actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV)? (For context, an ACV policy covers the depreciated value of your roof, while RCV covers the cost of replacing your roof with material prices today.)
How will I be reimbursed for the claim? Will you pay the roofing contractor directly or send me a check to pay the bill?
5. Create a plan to secure loose items around your house.
If you have outdoor living space, whether a deck, patio, or porch, you likely have furniture and other decor that live outside full-time. These items can quickly become airborne in a storm and wreak havoc on your home’s exterior. Of course, there’s no sense in storing these items today and missing out on Charleston’s beautiful fall weather, but you’ll want to ensure you have a plan that your family can quickly execute ahead of a storm.
If you have a garage or crawlspace, you can clear space to lock away items if a storm hits. If you don’t have sufficient space to move items, be certain you have the right equipment to weigh or tie furniture down. Before a storm, do a test run with the family and ensure you have sufficient space and time to store everything.
These five tips can help you protect your home’s exterior during storm season. Preparedness is key, so start creating your plan today and contact our team to ensure your roof is ready to withstand the elements.
