2022 Hurricane Season Preparedness

Follow these important tips to protect your commercial flat roof system from damage this hurricane season: June 1 – November 30

Hurricane season is right around the corner, from June 1^st – to November 30^th, with the peak of the season in August and September. While the prediction for this year’s hurricane season is similar to last year’s, Floridians know very well that every season is unpredictable, so preparation is key.

Colorado State University (CSU) hurricane researchers are predicting an above-average hurricane season for 2022, with the likely absence of El Niño as a primary factor. CSU predicts 19 named storms, with nine expected to become hurricanes and four to reach major hurricane strength.

As unpredictable as forecasts can be, it only takes one storm threatening landfall in our own backyard to make it an active season. Commercial building owners should prepare now to secure their buildings and protect their property. The current rainy season (underway through October) is further reason to take the time now 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 to follow inspection protocols. 95% of the roofing systems we’ve seen fail 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. 70% of the roof damage we see following a hurricane is due to loose HVAC equipment rolling across the membrane which can cause many small holes.
5. Be sure to trim trees and bushes away from the building by at least 3 feet to prevent damage to the roof system and 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 stockpile gasoline ahead of time to avoid those long gas lines, and never operate a generator indoors.

What to Do After a Storm

1. Check for roof leaks inside of the building and protect items that can be damaged by water.
2. Document damages with photos and video to help facilitate your insurance claim.
3. Call your insurance provider first to make a claim as the claim process can be lengthy.
4. Call your roofing contractor to make repairs using only the roof system manufacturer-approved materials in order to protect the roof warranty.
5. Repair or Replace? If your commercial roof system suffers more than 25% water damage to the insulation, Florida laws require you to replace the entire roof system.

Advanced Roofing Has You Covered Following a Major Hurricane

1. Advanced Team: We have seven offices in Florida and more than 500 employees to help with repairs following a storm.
2. Emergency Generators: Emergency generators are located at all branch locations to keep operations going post-storm.
3. Offsite Email: Our offsite communication system has been enhanced and 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, no matter where you are.
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 hundreds of contractor solutions across the nation 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

We know that preparing your commercial building for a hurricane can be overwhelming, especially as a storm is heading your way. One way to reduce the stress of hurricane planning is to take action now by performing 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 to take on this hurricane season.

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