In recent years, Florida has been hit by several major hurricanes, including Hurricane Ian in 2022, which caused widespread damage, flooding, and power outages throughout Cape Coral and Central Florida.
Hurricane season is a stressful time for Florida homeowners as we try to keep our homes and families safe. One of the best ways to do that is to prepare before the storm warnings start — especially when it comes to your home’s roof.
When is Hurricane Season in Florida?
Hurricane season in Florida officially runs from June 1 to November 30. But, hurricanes can always occur outside of these dates, so it’s essential to stay informed and prepared throughout the year.
How Can I Prepare My Home For Hurricane Season?
- Trim Trees and Branches
Trees and branches that hang over your roof can pose a severe threat during a hurricane, which is why it’s important to trim them back before a storm comes. Strong winds can cause these branches to break and damage your roof, or they can block your gutters and prevent water from draining properly.
- Secure Loose Objects
Before a hurricane hits, it’s important to secure any loose objects that could become projectiles in high winds. This includes outdoor furniture, grills, and any other items that could potentially cause damage to your home. Store these items indoors or in a secure location away from your home.
- Clear Your Gutters
To ensure stormwater doesn’t cause damage to your roof, foundation, and interior it’s important to clear your gutters from debris before and after a storm. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up, and increases the chances of water entering your home. You should also double check for any trouble spots in your gutters like leaking or sagging.
- Check Your Insurance Coverage
Even with proper preparation, there’s always a risk of damage to your roof during a hurricane. Make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage in case your roof is damaged or destroyed. Review your policy and talk to your insurance agent to make sure you understand your coverage and any exclusions.
- Get a Professional Roof Inspection
It’s a good idea to have a professional roofer inspect your roof in preparation for a hurricane or tropical storm. They will look for any missing or damaged shingles, signs of leakage, blocked gutters, in your roof that could make it vulnerable to high winds, heavy rain, or flying debris. They’ll look in the attic for any signs of rain and if they find any issues, they can make repairs or recommend a replacement.
When you’re ready to prepare your home for hurricane season, give the team at Stanley’s Roofing a call for efficient service and more than three decades of experience inspecting, repairing, and replacing roofs in Central Florida and Cape Coral.