Hurricane season has officially kicked off here in Florida, and with Cristobal leaving remnants of rain and humidity here in Polk County, we are all reminded that a hit from a storm of our own could be lurking around the corner. When it comes to preparing for hurricanes, many Florida residents focus on stocking up on supplies, purchasing shutters for doors and windows, and making sure their generator is up and running. Protecting your home from damage is another important aspect of preparation though, and if you don't know the threats to watch out for, your roof could pay the price. 

Hurricanes are a unique challenge for your roof with their heavy, sustained winds, and torrential rain. When you add in debris, you could end up with major damage from even a "minor" hurricane. Keep these things in mind when you are preparing this year: 

Remove all debris from around your home.

That harmless pile of stakes from your fence project, or your row of flower pots lined up along the back wall of your home could turn into missiles during hurricane-force winds. Once of these objects when picked up and hurled at your roof could not only damage the surface roofing, but could end up penetrating your home and causing water leaks and extensive damage. When you know a storm is coming, bring everything you can inside. Make an effort to keep your property clear of most debris even when a storm isn't on the horizon, so you won't be scrambling when the clouds start to gather. 

Look up. 

Are your trees looking like something prehistoric? While large, mature trees are a blessing for their shade and their erosion control, they can be dangerous when it comes to storms if they aren't properly maintained. Have your older, mature trees evaluated routinely by professionals and invest in having limbs and dead wood removed as needed. This will not only keep your tree healthier, but will make it less likely to send deadly branches onto your roof during a storm. If the tree shows signs of sickness, it's time to have it removed. A direct hit from a fallen tree will not only destroy your roof, but likely your house underneath as well. 

Have water management in place. 

We know most Florida homes in residential neighborhoods aren't built with gutters nowadays, but that doesn't mean you don't need them! A good drainage and water management system is key to protecting your roof and your home, especially during heavy rain like that seen during hurricanes and tropical systems. Gutters, french drains, and plenty of healthy grass are great ways to keep your roof and the land around your home draining well and free from water retention. 

The best preparation for your roof is routine inspection. Before you are facing down a major storm system, having professionals at EZ Roofing Systems evaluate your roof's condition and make repairs as needed is a smart way to make your roof last longer. If a replacement is needed, they can help you plan for it carefully to make it as seamless as possible. When it comes to roofing in Florida, we make it EZ! 

Residents in Central Florida celebrate many of the same seasons and holidays that our northern counterparts do, albeit with some minor modifications (like wearing flip-flops to Christmas dinner.) However, there is one season that is pretty much limited to seaside residents, especially Floridians since our beloved Sunshine State is surrounded by water on three sides. 

Any idea what season we're taking about? 

Yep, it's hurricane season. Hurricane season typically runs from June 1st to November 30th. While these dates aren't absolute, they are a pretty accurate estimate of when hurricanes typically roll through the Atlantic and/or into the Gulf. Preparing your home, and yourself, for a hurricane is wise if you live near the water, and even if you don't! We all learned from last year's Hurricane Irma that even Polk County is at risk of severe damage from hurricanes, regardless of our central, inland position. Failing to prepare results in hardships for you and your family, and can have extensive consequences. So, how do you prepare for potential storms that might hit us this season? 

1. Review Your Insurance (and/or Your Lease)

If you rent your home, or live in an apartment-type situation, you need to take a close look at your lease for any hurricane-related details and provisions. If you have personal property damage due to a hurricane, and are assuming your landlord's insurance will cover it, you could be left out in the rain (literally and figuratively!). Make sure you ask questions, and are fully aware of what is/is not taken care of in the event of a natural disaster. 

If you own your own home, you need to review your insurance policy closely, and do a thorough look through the hurricane portion of your coverage plan. Additional policies can be added on to cover your home and property, but might not be necessary based on your main insurance policy. Speak with your insurance advisor and make sure you are ready for whatever comes your way. 

2. Batten Down the Hatches (Prepare Your House!)

There are a few things you can do to give your home a helping hand in withstanding a hurricane or any other strong storm. This includes: 

• Take down any decor that could be blown away in a storm, such as flags, lawn decor, outdoor furniture, etc. Large items (like trampolines) should be taken down if possible, but if not, they need to be anchored and secured. 
• Check your shingles. This seems like a minor detail, but shingles are often not secured down in such a way to stand up to hurricane-force winds. If you notice loose edges, shingles that have already come loose, etc., you need to call us ASAP!
• Secure windows and other glass panes (like french doors) with wind-resistant shutters. Basic plywood also works for this. Make sure that whatever you choose, whether shutters or plywood, is strong enough and secure enough to resist not only the wind, but also flying debris. You can test this by leaning against them and seeing if they "give" at all. If so, they won't be strong enough to hold up. 
• Secure additional openings that are considered "weak points" such as doors, garage doors, etc. Garage doors usually have a "lock" on each side, and fastening these can give some extra support against the wind. If you really want to keep them standing strong, you can reinforce them with wood planks much like the rest of the windows and doors of your house.  

3. Protect and Prepare Yourself 

Protecting yourself, and making sure you're taken care of, during a hurricane is just as important as your home! Make sure you...

• Follow any evacuation orders that are issued. Don't ignore the warnings of danger! 
• Stockpile for the storm if you're not evacuating. This means keeping enough water on hand for several days (for each person in your family) in addition to non-perishable food and other basic necessities of your family (medications, diapers, wipes, etc.).
• Fill up your bathtub with water before the storm is due to hit. In the event that you lose water, this gives you a supply of water for flushing toilets, and other tasks that would waste your clean drinking water. 
• Have plenty of lanterns and batteries, or candles, on hand. 
• If you have a grill, or a camp stove, make sure they are ready and in working order (and that your propane tank is full!). These can be invaluable in the event that you lose power for several days and need to cook food to keep it from spoiling in the freezer or fridge. 

4. Know what to do during the actual storm! 

Obviously, you should STAY INSIDE, but you should also avoid going near windows and doors during the actual storm itself. In the event that one did break, or fly open, you could be in its path and that could be deadly with the amount of force caused by the wind gusts. Additionally, close as many doors in your home as possible. It sounds silly, but even interior doors can help stabilize your home. The more you can "break up" any wind that makes it into your home, the harder it is for the gust to blow through completely and take off your roof. Your best bet is to find the most interior room in your home that has few or no windows to the outside, and hunker down until the worst of the storm is over with your flashlights, your phone, and your radio. 

Of course, the best way to prepare your house for a hurricane is having a thorough check done before we have any storms on the radar. Roof inspections check multiple points on your home, from shingles and gutters, to structural supports and vents. We make sure your roof is up to standard, and ready to face whatever the crazy Florida weather might throw its way. EZ Roofing Systems is proud to serve the Winter Haven area with these options and more, and we work with you before AND after hurricanes and major storms to keep your home at its best. Give us a call to make your appointment!