Here comes a very busy hurricane season: Advice from a roofer
By Nick Zoller
On June 1st, hurricane season begins. With experts predicting numerous storms, many condo and HOAs with common roofs need to ask themselves or their boards, "What can we do to protect our homes?”
The most obvious first step is to provide hurricane-rated coverings for windows and doors. Just as important but often overlooked is a visual inspection of your roof to see if there are any missing, loose, cracked, or broken tiles/shingles. As a part of that inspection check your attic to ensure the rafters and/or hurricane clips are properly fastened.
If you find a problem or don't know what is required or should be there, contact a licensed roofing contractor before the rainy season rush. This can shorten the wait time for any needed repairs to be addressed.
Ask him or her to provide you with a report on what should be done to keep your roof on during a hurricane. If you don't need additional work ask the roofer for a wind mitigation report which can be provided to your insurer to seek lower insurance premiums.
If your existing roof is reaching the end of its life, replacing it is an option you may want to consider before hurricane season reaches its peak in the fall. By installing a new roof that includes a secondary water barrier and bringing your roof up to current code, you may significantly lower your insurance premiums. This savings over time can be more than the price of a new roof. Also you'll be protecting lives as well as possessions in your home.
Nick Zoller is President of Zoller Roofing Inc., in Sarasota
