Hurricane season on the Atlantic Coast lasts from the beginning of June until the end of November. The most vulnerable states likely to be affected by a hurricane are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. As storm season approaches, hurricane preparedness is critical to protecting your commercial property.
HURRICANE HAZZARDS THAT AFFECT YOUR COMMERCIAL ROOF
HEAVY WINDS
Hurricanes can produce winds between 75 mph to 150 mph. Roofs are built to withstand typical winds but the sustained intensity of hurricane winds can be extremely destructive-ripping down gutters, flashing and any loose roof components.
HEAVY RAIN & FLASH FLOODING
Hurricanes can cause 6-12 inches of rain to fall within the first 24-hours after landfall. Heavy rain can wreak havoc on your roof causing major structural damage and leaking. It can cause flash flooding and wash out roads and bridges. Additionally, water can pool on a flat roof causing leaking and roof damage. If the roads are impassable, it may take days for a crew to get to your property to assess the destruction.
DEBRIS
Anything that is not nailed down can be a deadly projectile during a hurricane which can create tears, punctures or gashes in the roof’s surface.
HOW TO PREPARE BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS
PERFORM REGULAR ROOF MAINTENANCE
Scheduled routine maintenance is good practice to prevent roof deficiencies and extend the lifespan of your commercial roof, but it is also an essential component to prevent serious damage to your roof, in the event that a hurricane hits your area. We highly recommend you have your roof professionally inspected each year before hurricane season to address any serious issues. Innovative Roofing Group’s qualified Maintenance Department will check your roof’s seams, joints, flashing, curbs and remove any loose items and debris. Repairing any deficiencies prior to a hurricane is imperative.
TRIM TREE BRANCHES AROUND YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
Trim trees and bushes away from the roof by at least 3 ft to prevent roof damage during a hurricane or a big storm. This will also help to reduce leaves clogging the drainage system.
CLEAN GUTTERS, DOWNSPOUTS & DRAINS
Clean all gutters, drains and downspouts of foliage and debris that can cause a blockage and ensure all gutters and drainpipes are properly secured.
ACTIONS TO TAKE WHEN YOU FIND OUT A HURRICANE IS NEAR
DO AN ASSESSMENT OF YOUR ROOF
Ensure all roof-mounted equipment like A/C units are secured and anchored. Confirm all penetrations are properly flashed and secured. Remove any debris on the membrane. Check for any roof deficiencies that could cause a potential problem and have a qualified roofer make the necessary repairs.
MAKE SURE THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING & SECURED
Check your gutters and downspouts for blockages and make sure they are secured properly.
COVER SKYLIGHTS
Cover with plywood or a metal cage to protect them from flying debris and potential leaking.
SECURE HATCHES
Confirm that all roof access hatches are secured properly.
THINGS TO CHECK AFTER A STORM
CHECK FOR DAMAGE
If your roof has been severely damaged, do not let anyone on the roof to avoid serious injury. If it is safe to go on the roof, check all penetrations, flashing, seams, joints, and equipment for damage.
CHECK FOR LEAKS
Mold and mildew can develop very quickly after a heavy storm so check for leaks inside the building as well as on the roof membrane.
DOCUMENT THE DAMAGE
Photograph the damaged areas so you can use them during the claims process.
CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY IMMEDIATELY TO REPORT DAMAGE
If you notice your roof has damage, call your insurance company right away. You will likely be one of many people filing a claim so you will want to be at the head of the line in order to get the process started.
CALL THE PROFESSIONALS AT INNOVATIVE ROOFING GROUP
Even the best prepared roof can be damaged during a hurricane. Commercial roofers will be very busy after a storm so having a relationship with a trusted roofing contractor can be very helpful. Innovative Roofing Group is here to help you protect your commercial property before the storm arrives with proper maintenance, repairs and preparation, and we will be here to help mitigate the damage afterward as well. Contact us at (404)351-8797 today so we can get your roof hurricane ready.
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