Get Your Roof Ready for Hurricane Season 2018
Harvey. Irma. Maria. With these three powerful hurricanes in the rearview mirror from last year, homeowners are again preparing for a severe hurricane season. During National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 6-12, 2018) it’s time to evaluate and make sure your roof and the rest of your home are ready to withstand Mother Nature’s fury.
2018 Hurricane Outlook
According to Jill F. Hasling, CCM and co-founder of the Weather Research Center, the 2018 Hurricane Season is forecast to be similar in its ferocity to what the U.S.A. experienced last year. In 2017 there were 17 named storms, including 10 hurricanes (six of which became major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher).
“We anticipate the 2018 weather season will be similar in its ferocity to what the U.S.A. experienced last year,” says Hasling. “According to the Hasling Cyclone Strike Index, the Louisiana to Alabama coast has the highest risk in 2018 of experiencing a landfall of tropical storm or hurricane, with a 75 percent projected risk.
“Our forecasts show 10 to 13 named tropical cyclones are expected in the 2018 season with six of them becoming hurricanes. There’s a 50 percent chance that areas of Texas, west Florida and the coastline from Georgia to North Carolina will experience a hurricane.”
Get Ready Now
Before a hurricane is even on the radar, homeowners are encouraged to assure that four key components of their home are safe and secure: the roof, windows, garage door and entry doors. If any of these areas are compromised during severe weather, then hurricane-force winds can enter the structure and cause massive damage.
“Because there were so many severe hurricane situations in 2017, it’s important to perform a thorough check now of your home exterior,” says Tim Carter, founder and president of AsktheBuilder.com. “While your home may have held up well during last year’s weather, the strength of your home’s key exterior products may have been compromised.
“It’s smart to hire a professional to evaluate if your roof and other entry/opening areas of the home need to be fixed or replaced before the 2018 Hurricane Season. You want to make sure there are no loose tiles on your roof, that window frames are still securely in place, and that even the sealants around your doors are in good shape.”
Up on the Roof
Starting from the top of the home down, make sure your roof is secure and can sustain both straight line and pressurized winds during a hurricane. Severe winds can uplift shingles off a roof, push intense wind-driven rain at a roof, or cause flying debris to strike a roof.
The smart decision is to select a composite roof product that meets Class 4 ratings for impact resistance along with the Miami Dade County Acceptance (High Velocity Hurricane Winds) and the Texas Department of Insurance. Composite synthetic shake and slate roofing tiles from DaVinci Roofscapes meet these criteria and can withstand strong hurricane-force winds and impact from blowing debris.
In addition, DaVinci composite roofing tiles are rated Class A for fire retardance and have achieved the highest rating for straight line wind testing at 110 mph. The synthetic roofing material also has a lifetime limited warranty to give you added peace-of-mind.
Before the onset of Hurricane Season 2018, take time to evaluate the structures where you live and work — especially the roofs. Make upgrades and changes now that can prepare you to successfully weather upcoming storms.