Hurricanes
Residents in the Southern United States brace themselves every year during hurricane season. Each year, the intensity of hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico seems to increase. As a result, many families will see extensive damage to their homes several years in a row. Following a major hurricane, most homeowners will immediately begin assessing damages. Sometimes this can be done themselves and other times it is necessary to call a professional. A good way to tell if your home has roof damage is to look at other exterior features of your home. For instance, does the siding or deck have dents or other visible damage from hail, wind, or rain? Are your gutters filled with granules from your roof’s asphalt shingles? If the answer is yes to these questions, then you can expect roof damage. PRA Roof Contractors is a roofing contractor that has been serving homeowners throughout the deep South for over twenty years. We have provided exceptional service and results for over thirty thousand clients and counting. Furthermore, our team has dealt with homeowner’s insurance companies. We can offer practical advice about how to file the most effective and straightforward insurance claims possible.
Causes of Hurricane Damage
Wind
Hurricane-force winds are defined by meteorologists as being seventy-four miles per hour or greater. Gale-force winds often experienced during a tropical storm, are classified as thirty-nine to fifty-four miles per hour. Winds of this strength will cause visible and extensive damage to the home.
When shingles are placed, they are overlapped in order to create a tight seal. Heavy gusts of wind can lift and curl shingles so that the underlayment is exposed. This, in turn, will cause the roof decking to be more susceptible to damage from rain.
Torrential Rain
If your roof is in good condition, generally a rainstorm will cause little to no damage. However, during a hurricane, torrential rain partnered with heavy winds has the potential to cause significant damage.
If wind loosens or tears shingles off your roof, the underlayment and roof decking will be exposed. This can cause problems because it facilitates water leaks into your home. Furthermore, if your gutters are filled with debris, then water can back-up onto your roof. This can cause it to get in between and underneath the shingles. In the middle of a hurricane, it is almost impossible to secure a tarp on your roof to prevent further damage.
However, if there is a break in the heavy winds and rain, it is a great idea to call a roofing contractor to help secure a tarp and do an initial inspection. As a reminder, it is always a good idea to have another person present when you are on the roof. This way, if something happens, that person is present to call 911.
Hail
It is not uncommon for hail to pop up during a severe storm. It only takes walnut-sized hailstones to cause significant damage to your roof. If you are unsure what hail damage looks like, it is a good idea to hire a Professional roofing Contractor. Most companies will offer free inspections, especially in the aftermath of a severe storm.
Hail damage can be hard to spot if you have not been trained to look for it. Typically, you can check your gutters for shingle granules and get a good idea of whether there is damage to your roof. Additionally, if the siding of your home has dents and damage from hail then you can pretty much count on roof damage.
Whether there is damage to shingles, underlayment, or roof decking, it is crucial to make repairs as soon as you are able. If the storm is prolonged, take advantage of any temporary lapse in the severe weather to cover your roof with a tarp.
Tornadoes and Falling Debris
Another way your roof can be damaged during a hurricane is through flying debris. High wind gusts and tornadoes can uproot trees, and even lift property like cars and patio furniture off the ground.
If something heavy were to hit your roof, there will be damage. Before you go up on the roof to examine it, make sure that you scout out any large pieces of debris that might present a tripping hazard. If you are unsure about the security of the roof, consider calling a professional contractor.
Choosing a Roofing Contractor
PRA Roof Contractors, Inc has a team of certified roofers that can complete any roofing project no matter the size or shape of the roof. Furthermore, we have the expertise needed to install, repair, inspect, and replace your roof.
Our team places integrity at the center of all we do. Call PRA Roof Contractors, Inc today 844-204-2438 to receive your free estimate!
Schedule a Consultation With Us
Experience the difference when you hire an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, like PRA Roof Contractors Inc! To schedule a consultation with our experts, simply call us at (844) 204-2438 or complete our Contact Form. We’ll be ready to assist you every step of the way.
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