By the time August winds down, your roof has already been through months of heat, thunderstorms, and heavy rain. Then comes September, the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. For Maryland and Pennsylvania homeowners, that’s a good reason to give the roof another look now.

Hurricane season runs from June through November, but September is typically the busiest point of the Atlantic season. That doesn’t mean a hurricane is coming straight toward your home. Tropical storms and hurricanes can weaken as they move inland, but they can still bring strong winds and heavy rain that put added stress on a roof that is already in poor condition.

If your roof has a weak spot, this is a better time to find it than after a storm does. Topper Roofing recommends addressing known problems while the weather is still calm, especially since roofing contractors can get busy quickly once storm damage starts showing up across the region. Taking care of those issues now gives you more options than waiting until after a storm has passed.

Start With the Condition of Your Roof

Before worrying about how your roof will perform in high winds, you need to know what condition it is in now.

It is possible to have a roof that appears fine but still has vulnerabilities. Lifted shingles, failing flashing, loose roofing materials, and areas where water is already getting through might not seem like a concern when there is a typical summer week ahead.

For that reason, having a professional inspect your roof can serve as a good place to start. It can uncover problems that are difficult to spot from the ground and help determine whether your roof needs maintenance, repairs, or a closer look at its remaining service life. Regular roof maintenance and storm preparation can also help keep smaller problems from becoming bigger ones.

What Makes a Roof More Ready for High Winds?

Hurricane preparation doesn’t necessarily mean hurricane proofing a roof, since there is no roofing system that will protect a home from damage during extreme weather.

Proper Installation and Fastening

It is very important how the materials are installed. Shingles should be installed and fastened properly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and flashing and other parts of the system should be installed properly.

This is very important in the presence of powerful winds causing uplift on the roof.  Installation, attachment, and flashing are parts of wind-resistant roofing considerations.

Pay Attention to Roof Edges and Transitions

Wind pressure on a roof will put more strain on the edges of the roof, especially if the roof materials are not secure.

This applies to places where different roof materials join up, such as at chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations. Flashing that is damaged or decaying gives wind-driven rain access to the roofing system.

Consider the Whole Roofing System

If you’re replacing an older roof, it’s a good idea to consider material options from a professional. Various roofing products and systems offer different properties, and the best option will depend on your home and other considerations.

The most durable-looking product isn’t always the solution. The roofing system and its installation need to work together.

Address Problems Before the Storm

Once you’ve identified a problem, it’s better to deal with it while the weather is still calm.

This may include replacing the broken shingles, fixing flashing, tightening loose parts, and solving drainage problems. The gutters and downspouts also need maintenance. When it rains heavily, there is a high probability that the system will be overwhelmed if it is already clogged up or has some damaged parts.

Another thing you need to check out is the surroundings of the roof. The branches of dead or weakening trees can fall onto the roof due to strong winds, while loose furniture may turn into debris. Securing loose items before a storm can help reduce potential hazards around your home.

Does Your Roof Have Enough Life Left?

Late summer is also a good time to think beyond immediate repairs.

If your roof is getting near the end of its useful lifespan, the coming season of extreme weather conditions could be a good reason to assess the situation of the roof. It doesn’t mean that an older roof should necessarily be replaced before the start of hurricane season. It depends on several other factors.

Assess the condition of the roof in general. If there’s much wear and tear, leaking, damage, and constant need for repairs, maybe it would make sense to replace the roof rather than fix it piece by piece.

Thinking ahead will also help you choose the right roofing system for your house.

Know When to Stop Preparing

There is a point when roof preparation needs to stop.

In case there is a tropical storm headed your way, it’s best not to go up the roof to do last-minute repairs. Roofing work has to be done when the weather is favorable, not under heavy winds and rain.

Once the storm clears out, visible damage might be seen from the ground, like missing shingles, fallen tree branches, or other debris. The rest of the work can then be left for professionals.

Get Ahead of Hurricane Season

You cannot determine the path of a storm or its intensity level. However, you can ensure that your roof is not entering hurricane season with any issues you are aware of.

At Topper Roofing, we have helped homeowners assess and resolve roofing issues before hurricane season since 1988. We serve Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware.

If you are uncertain how your roof will perform during hurricane season, contact us to book an appointment for a roof inspection.