How to Prepare Your Roof for Atlanta's Hurricane Season

Every year, Atlanta faces major storms throughout hurricane season. They bring high winds and heavy rain, causing serious damage to many properties. Preparing your roof ahead of time can help prevent major damage. You can take a few simple steps to ensure lasting peace of mind throughout hurricane season.

FAQ: Preparing Your Roof for Atlanta's Hurricane Season

When is hurricane season in Atlanta?

The Impact of Hurricane Season in Atlanta

Hurricanes typically run from June through November. While Atlanta is somewhat inland, it still faces persistent threats from tropical systems. Strong winds and torrential rains batter the city each year, putting local homes at risk.

Many homeowners underestimate just how much damage hurricanes can cause in Atlanta. High winds can quickly tear away shingles, flashing, and gutters. The heavy rains can overwhelm drainage, especially if your gutters aren't kept clear. Roof leaks lead to water damage that could require extensive roof repairs.

Preparing ahead of time is critical to safeguarding your home against major storms. Weather forecasts can change quickly, and it's more difficult to schedule service and find supplies when everyone is rushing ahead of a storm. Keeping up with routine maintenance and getting proactive will help your roof survive hurricane season.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

One of the best things you can do for your roof is to schedule a professional roof inspection. An expert roofer can identify weaknesses such as loose shingles and damaged flashing. Spotting these problems early will help correct any issues before a storm can make them worse.

Minor repairs can go a long way toward safeguarding your roof ahead of a hurricane. A roofer can identify areas that need resealing or loose materials that should be secured. This simple preventive maintenance can help you avoid the need for more extensive emergency repairs after a storm.

A professional inspection will give you peace of mind knowing that your roof has been taken care of by trusted professionals. The inspection results will also provide a baseline for any potential insurance claims if a storm damages your roof. Inspections are recommended at least annually, so it's a good time to book yours.

Secure Shingles and Flashing

Special attention should be given to materials at the edge of your roof before hurricanes arrive. These areas are particularly susceptible to strong gusts, which can catch corners and eaves, lifting away shingles and other materials. Ensuring all shingles are well fastened at the edges will reinforce your roof against high winds.

Flashing around any fixtures and at valleys where the roof slope changes is also a major problem area when it comes to storms. Small gaps can let water enter your roof, and any damage can let high winds pull flashing away. Proper maintenance and sealing of these areas will help your roof survive hurricane season.

When the time comes for your next roof replacement, you should consider going with storm-resistant materials and features. Choosing the right shingles, flashing, and other materials to stand up to local weather can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Clean Your Gutters

The heavy rain that comes with hurricanes poses a serious threat to your roof. If your gutters are blocked, water can back up under shingles and seep into the roof. This also poses a risk to the fascia and soffits. Regular cleaning ensures smooth drainage that protects your roof during intense downpours.

Downspout placement and condition are also important. Your downspouts should extend several feet from your home to prevent water from accumulating around the foundation. Splash blocks and extensions are both good options to help direct water away from your home.

Before major storms appear, you should carefully inspect your gutters for any leaks or sagging. These can get much worse once heavy rains start. You don't want your drainage to fail when it's needed most, potentially flooding your home during an already dangerous situation.

Trim Any Overhanging Trees

High winds can turn overhanging branches into major damage waiting to happen. You shouldn't have any branches overhanging your roof, and any that come close should be cut back at least two to three feet. This will help prevent storm damage that would require emergency repairs.

Debris around your yard should also be cleaned up before a hurricane. Everything from patio furniture to plastic planters can be swept up and thrown about by high winds. This poses a risk to every part of your home, including siding, windows, doors, and the roof.

Safeguard Skylights, Chimneys, and Vents

A variety of fixtures on your roof are susceptible to damage and leaks during a hurricane. Skylights, chimneys, and vents are among the most common entry points for heavy rain. Before the season starts, ensure all of these features have well-maintained flashing and seals in good condition.

Skylights are of particular concern during hurricanes, as they can be easily damaged by branches or other debris. Protective covers and storm shutters may be worth looking into. 

Any damaged chimney caps should also be repaired or replaced before they can be torn away by hurricane-force winds.

Your trusted local roofer should be able to identify any issues with these fixtures during a routine roof inspection. From there, you can get any required repairs to prevent water from entering your roof and causing long-term problems such as mold and rot.

Take Pictures for Your Insurance

Before hurricane season starts, you should take some time to document the current condition of your roof. This will make any insurance claims much easier if your roof suffers storm damage. Pictures and videos taken from the ground can help. Make sure to capture the roof, flashing, and gutters.

You should keep a copy of your insurance policy, any roof warranty, and inspection reports in a safe location. Having easy access to these documents will let you submit an insurance claim more quickly and ensure you're prepared in case of serious storm damage.

An inspection report from a professional roofer is the best documentation you can have when it comes to insurance claims. You can take a lot of the ambiguity out of the process by scheduling an inspection to thoroughly document the condition of your roof.

What to Do After a Major Storm

If a major storm hits your home during hurricane season, you should act quickly to have any damage repaired. Inspect your roof from the ground, looking for signs of missing shingles, fallen branches, or other damage. You should also watch indoors for water stains that can indicate roof leaks.

Any signs of damage mean you should reach out for professional repairs right away. Leaving damage as it is can let more water infiltrate your roof and lead to further issues when the next storm rolls in. Instead, get the reliable repairs you need now so that you can rest easy knowing that your home is properly protected.

Don't Wait to Protect Your Home From Storms

Hurricane season brings serious threats to your home each year. Preparing in advance helps reduce the risk of damage and can streamline any insurance claims. You can trust the team at Tom and Jerry's Roofing for expert inspections and storm damage repairs. Don't hesitate to reach out for any of your roofing needs in Atlanta.