2020 Hurricane Season Preparedness Tips

The Hurricane Season in Florida is June 1 – November 30. Property managers view our tips on how to protect your commercial roof from damage during a storm.

While we may be a bit fatigued from preparing for the unknown, Florida’s hurricane season is right around the corner, from June 1^st – November 30^th, with the peak of the season in August and September. This is the sixth year in a row that a tropical depression has formed before the official start of hurricane season, kicking off what experts predict will be an active season.

Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University hurricane researchers are predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2020, with the likely absence of El Niño as a primary factor. Tropical and subtropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures are also warmer than usual, a factor supporting an active hurricane season ahead. The Weather Company calls for 18 named storms, nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes – one that is Category 3 or higher (115-plus-mph winds) on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

It is important to remember that one or more of the predicted 18 named storms could hit the U.S., or none at all, underscoring the fact that preparation is key. Commercial building owners should prepare now no matter the forecast. Add to that the start of the rainy season, which is underway now through October, there is no time like the present to prepare your commercial building to protect it from leaks and major storm damage.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR COMMERCIAL ROOF FROM A HURRICANE?

Top 10 Commercial Roofing Hurricane Season Tips:

1. The first step in protecting your building from roof leaks and storm damage is to have a preventative maintenance plan and follow inspection protocols. Of the roofs we have seen fail throughout the years, 95% were due to lack of maintenance and poor workmanship during installation.
2. Perform repairs now to fix common issues like damage to the membrane, flashings, sealants, and drainage systems.
3. Clear all gutters, downspouts, and drains of debris that can cause a blockage.
4. Secure rooftop mechanical equipment with hurricane straps. Most of the roof damage we see following a hurricane is due to loose HVAC equipment rolling across the membrane that can cause many small holes.
5. Be sure to trim trees and bushes away from the building by at least 3ft to prevent damage to the roof system as well as to reduce leaves in the drainage system.
6. Cover older skylights with wood or a metal cage to protect them from flying debris.
7. Make sure the roof hatch and the roof access doors close properly.
8. Review your roof warranty and insurance policy to ensure it’s up-to-date and that you understand the coverage provided. If needed, get clarification on your policy before a storm hits.
9. Update and test your hurricane plan, and share emergency contacts with team members. Important contacts should include the roofer, water restoration company, and insurance provider.
10. Service your generator and make sure it’s operating at peak performance. Don’t forget to stock up on gasoline ahead of time to avoid those long gas lines, and never operate a generator indoors.

Why Work With Advanced Roofing After a Hurricane?

1. Advanced Team: We have seven offices in Florida and more than 570 employees to help with repairs following a storm.
2. Emergency Generators: Emergency generators are located at all branch locations to keep operations going. Following Hurricane Irma, our Fort Lauderdale headquarters was without power for five days and the generators were critical pieces of equipment to have so we did not lose any production days post-storm.
3. Offsite Email: Our offsite communication system ensures we will always be accessible following a storm.
4. Fuel & Supplies: We have a special reserve of fuel and supplies for our entire fleet to ensure quick mobilization for emergency repairs.
5. Advanced Access: Our innovative cloud-based roof management technology lets you quickly view warranty documents, dispatch our repair crews, and track projects in real-time.
6. South Florida Disaster Resiliency Coalition: We partner with emergency management and private-public entities across the tri-county area to enhance and build a hurricane-resilient community.
7. Roof Connect: As a founding member of Roof Connect, we have a partnership with 60 premier roofing contractors from around the country that can assist our crews in the event of a natural disaster, ensuring we have the manpower to get your business up and running immediately following a storm.

Schedule Your Hurricane Season Roof Inspections Today

Preparing your operations for a hurricane can be overwhelming.  Take action now to perform preventive maintenance inspections and repairs on your roof before and after a major storm hits.  Advanced Roofing, Inc. is here to help. Call us today at (800) 638-6869 or click here to have your roof inspected and documented so you are prepared this Hurricane Season.

You may also like