Your roof is your first line of defense against the rain and wind that the hurricane season brings. You don’t want to find out it’s not up to par when the wind is peeling shingles away and it starts to leak. At Action Roofing in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we can prepare your roof to handle upcoming hurricane storms.
Inspecting for Vulnerable Shingles and Seams
From the ground, look closely at the shingles on your roof. Patchy granules or joints that lift slightly may seem harmless now. But once hurricane winds hit, those spots become starting points for leaks. If you spot cracked or missing shingles, get them repaired. If you find nails lifting near the ridge, hammer them back into place, then seal them with roofing cement.
A few hours of careful inspection can save you from soggy ceilings tomorrow. Inside your attic, look under skylights and plumbing vents for any light slipping through. That’s a sign of gaps you can’t see from the ground. Seal those with appropriate waterproof flashing or rubber gaskets. Taking care of small fixes now gives your roof a better chance of staying intact when it counts most.
Securing Loose Flashing and Roof Attachments
Flashing around chimneys, vents, and connectors undergoes wear from wind and sun. When that metal shifts or warps, rainwater finds its way under your shingles. If you notice changes to the flashing, applying a roofing sealant and nailing it down properly helps keep water out. Tension cables and anchors for satellite dishes or solar panels should be securely snug, without any slack. Check the screws and bolts holding them in place and replace any that are rusty or pulled loose. That stops leaks when storms approach your home. Any slipped flashing or unsecured attachment will catch the wind and cause damage if ignored.
Clearing and Straightening Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters make your roof hold water longer than it should. Use a ladder to clear leaves and debris from the gutters, then check that you can slide your hand down to each downspout. When a heavy rain hits, the blocked gutter spills water over the edge instead of sending it safely down the spout. That overflow can wear away wood and cause rot to develop quickly. After clearing away debris, pour a bucket of water into each gutter section to test the flow. Adjust downspout angles or add extenders as needed to move water away from your home’s foundation. Don’t forget to check the joints between the gutter and the roof edge. If those come loose, even a clean gutter can let rain slip behind it and go under shingles.
Trimming Trees and Clearing Branches
Tall trees give shade, but their branches can do serious damage to a roof during a storm. Cut back any branches that hang above or are near the shingles. Focus on intersecting branches that scrape the roof during windy days. Keep trees trimmed six to eight feet away from the house. This task reduces the chances of branches breaking off and puncturing your roof during a storm. Smaller twigs can carry debris that blocks your gutter, and this debris can cause water to pool on the roof. Getting a professional tree service to trim trees can help you avoid accidents or damage.
Checking Your Roof Structure From Inside
Head into your attic during daylight with a bright flashlight. Look for sagging roof decking or ceiling drywall that’s dipping. These are signs that the roof structure is under strain. If you spot darkening along the rafters, that may be an early sign of moisture creeping in. Open and close the attic hatch or door to feel air movement. Any draft there can be a sign that your vents may be sucking in wind-driven rain during storms. Moisture and mold inside the attic can cause harm to your roof. Weatherstrip the hatch or install a stronger latch to block wind. Strengthening your roof structure from the inside can help stop issues before they spread and become large problems. A well-maintained roof keeps attic insulation dry and attic boards stable.
Installing or Inspecting Hurricane Straps
Roofs need mechanical ties to withstand uplift pressure. Hurricane straps tie your rafters or trusses to wall frames. If your home lacks these, or if they appear old and rusty, they should be installed or replaced. Replace corroded straps with stainless steel ones sized to accommodate your roof’s weight and angle. Installing straps requires removing a few shingles, slipping the strap under, and screwing it to the top plate. Then, nail it across the rafters. This job takes time, but the straps hold the walls to the roof in strong winds. That keeps the entire roof from lifting or peeling back. Straps work best when applied evenly across your perimeter rafters.
Using Underlayment and Sealant to Prevent Water Intrusion
Even perfectly sealed shingles can let water creep in during high winds. Underlayment adds a waterproof shield beneath them. You can check this by lifting a loose shingle and feeling for a felt or rubber membrane beneath. During hurricane preparation, caulk or reapply sealant under exposed shingles at roof edges, hips, and valleys. That stops rainwater soaked by wind from sliding into your rafters. Use roofing-grade sealant that stays flexible in heat and humidity. When installed, the underlayment and seal provide double protection. If wind frays a shingle, rain still needs to run over your wood deck to drip in. Underlayment and sealant help to protect the wood and insulation under your roof.
Keeping a Post-Storm Inspection Routine
Even with the best preparation, storms can appear suddenly. After strong wind or heavy rain, do a quick check around the house. Look for curled or missing shingles and damaged flashing. Peel back sections near chimneys or vents to look for wet spots. Look at the gutters to see if they remain intact and if there are signs of debris accumulation. Inside, watch for new dark spots on the attic ceiling or damp patches in the rafters. Use a moisture meter if you have one. Tracking these signs allows you to fix small problems before they grow. A couple of hours after the storm ends can save you days of repair later. Make this inspection a habit. Have your roof checked after a big storm, even if you don’t see damage. Fast fixes cost a lot less than replacing sections of deck or rafters.
Budgeting for Repairs and Upgrades Now
You don’t need to fix everything perfectly with your roof. Comparing repair costs now can help you budget for the next roof checkup. A few nails and sealant cost little compared to replacing boards or having a dry rot removal service. When you have straps installed or underlayment patched, track your costs and note what worked well.
Your homeowner’s insurance may cover stronger roof ties or high-quality underlayment. Look at your policy clauses and talk to your agent about wind mitigation credits. This small task can keep your home protected and help you make choices that meet your long-term budget. Choosing upgrades and roof repairs based on your roof’s age, shape, and exposure will help you plan a stronger roof future.
Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season
No one controls the weather, but you do control how prepared your home is for hurricane season. A few simple steps can help you avoid emergency repairs when storms appear. Contact Action Roofing to book your hurricane preparation visit and roof inspection today.
