With forecasters predicting another active hurricane season, homeowners --
particularly those in coastal areas are already worried about protecting the
roofs over their heads. But
there's still time to prevent at least some of the damage high winds and
heavy rains can cause, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers
Association (ARMA).
"Small steps can be taken before the hurricane season really gets underway
to prevent unnecessary repairs and reduce the amount of wind damage to the roofs
of homes," says Russell Snyder, executive vice president of ARMA. "The
best protection a homeowner can have is to make sure the roof is in sound condition
and as weather-tight as possible."
Whether they live in hurricane-prone areas or not, ARMA recommends that homeowners
take the following precautions:
- Do preventive maintenance. Hire a roofing contractor or certified home inspector
to evaluate your roof and make repairs to flashing, caulking and shingles,
if necessary. Most leaks occur where roofs meet sidewalls and around penetrations
such as skylights, vent pipes and chimneys. Missing or broken shingles can
be individually replaced, and any loose shingle tabs can be re-adhered with
an application of asphalt roofing cement.
- Choose roofing products rated for high wind protection. If your home needs
a new roof, don't put it off until after the storm season. The cost of replacing
a roof is only a fraction of the potential loss that could result to a home's
interior, furnishings and possessions. Asphalt shingles are now rated according
to wind zone protection. Be sure to use a roofing product that meets or exceeds
your area's wind zone recommendations. Contact individual manufacturers for
information on newly classified asphalt shingles.
- Keep nature in check. Fallen tree branches or those that scrape against
a roof can cause significant damage. Cut back large branches extending over
roofs, and have a professional inspect your yard for trees that should be
removed altogether. Also, clean out gutters and roof valleys clogged with
leaves, branches or litter. Clogs can prevent water from draining properly.
- Check for leaks now. Minor roof leaks that go unnoticed could become a
big problem when a major storm hits. To detect leaks, look for old stains
and water damage on interior walls and ceilings that indicate a leak occurred.
Also, take a flashlight into the attic during the next rainstorm and check
for active leaks on the underside of the roof deck and rafters.
- Install hurricane straps and clips. These secure a roof to a home's frame
structure. While they are required on new construction, older homes may not
be reinforced. Look in your attic for metal bands or plates connecting rafters
or roof trusses to the tops of the walls. If none are visible, consult a professional
roofing contractor to ensure proper retrofit installation.
"As we have seen over the past couple of years, properly installed and
fastened asphalt shingles, in most cases, can withstand the most powerful storms,"
Snyder adds. "But even though they are proven to be effective and durable
in extreme weather conditions, there is no assurance that asphalt shingles --
or any type of roof -- will outlast a hurricane event. By following the ARMA
recommendations, homeowners will know they have the best protection they can
afford, and will be prepared before a major weather event occurs in order to
limit the damage or, hopefully, avoid it completely."
Posted 25th May 2006
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