A leaky or damaged roof is inconvenient any time of the year. With hurricane season 2019 upon us, that inconvenience becomes a liability and that liability could mean massive roof repair bills unless something is done. With the number of homes at risk for storm damage in Florida being around 2.8 million, relying on luck to pull through is asking for a miracle.
Don’t rely on luck. Take action and protect your family and property. To get started, consider the following:
What To Watch For
If you suspect your roof to be damaged in need of professional inspection and repair, you may have some of the following:
- Missing or Damaged Shingles or tiles
- Old Roof–10 years or more for shingle 20 years for tile
- Interior ceiling and/or drywall damage
- Increased Heating or Cooling Bills
If
any of the above applies to you, then
you’re in a precarious situation that teeters more and more on a
disaster with every passing day.
What A Bad Roof Can Do (Day-To-Day)
When looking for houses or just perusing a new neighborhood, one of the things you’re bound to take note of is the state of the roofs. There’s no substitute for a uniform, clean, linked and locked row of symmetrical tiles or shingles. A well-done roof is a thing of beauty. A symbol that projects strength in unity.
Likewise, a bad roof is hard to ignore, and for good reason. The consequences to a bad roof left unfixed can be dire.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew not only compromise the structural integrity of the parts of your home, but they can also cause respiratory problems and illness if left unattended too long. Asthmatics, the allergy-prone, and the immunocompromised are at greater risk of health issues resulting from mold exposure.
Fire Hazard
Wherever water is present in a house that uses electricity, there’s always a chance that a leak will find an outlet or exposed wiring, resulting in a short that can start a fire.
Compromised Integrity
While not all mold feed on wood, certain species do. If you have one of these colonies being fed by a leak, then it’s only a matter of time before a section of the roof caves in. And it will likely happen during a moment of great stress as during a hurricane.
What You Can Do to Prepare for a Hurricane
If your roof is in questionable condition, you want to limit the amount the liabilities surrounding it, both physically and financially. Here are some steps to prepare for hurricane season, even if your roof seems to be in good condition.
Trim Nearby Trees
With falling trees and branches causing an estimated $1 billion annually in repair bills, you need to take their liability to your roof seriously. The largeness of a tree doesn’t always equate to hurricane resilience. Any branch can become too heavy for its trunk to support and could be let go of on top of your house. If a tree is too big, you’ll need to call a professional for this dangerous work.
Clear Gutters and Drains
It’s never too late to go back to the basics. Clear gutters allow rainwater to be carried away from the roof and funneled towards effective drainage locations.
Get Up To Date Records on Insurance
Depending on your situation, your roof should be covered by insurance. Double-check to make sure there’s nothing to inhibit getting your roof in working order.
Get Your Roof Checked by A Licensed, Accredited, and Experienced Roofing Expert
With roofing scams in every direction, there’s never been a more important time to be careful with who chooses to inspect or do your roofing. Every roof is a complex feat of engineering with many factors to consider when evaluating, let alone doing the precision work.
Don’t trust just any ad in the paper or on your doorstep. Call the proven, knowledgeable, and fair experts at ABC Roofing Corp. Call (954) 344-4622 today to schedule or request a free quote.
