Missed the Hurricane Preparation Window in NJ? Here’s How to Minimize the Damage and Cost of repairs
As we approach the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which typically lasts from June 1 to November 30, it’s crucial for homeowners in New Jersey to prepare their homes, especially their roofs, for potential storms. This comprehensive guide will provide some tips on how to get your roof ready for the 2023 hurricane season.
Understanding the Impact of Hurricanes on Roofs
Hurricanes can have a significant impact on roofs, causing various types of damage that result in water intrusion. The roof, being the highest structural component of your home, takes the brunt of Mother Nature’s fury during a hurricane. Here are some potential impacts:
Category 1 or 2 storms: These storms may tear off some shingles, tiles or portions of flashing, damage the gutters and leave you with a leaking roof. It’s important to note that even these “lower” category storms can cause significant damage that requires immediate attention.
More severe storms: More severe storms can cause extensive damage to the roof covering, decking and gable ends from both wind and airborne debris. In these cases, you may be looking at more extensive repair work or even a full roof replacement.
According to the National Hurricane Center, New Jersey has experienced 12 hurricanes since 1851, with the most recent one being Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Hurricane Sandy caused widespread devastation across the state, including an estimated $30 billion in damages. Many homes suffered roof damage from high winds, heavy rain and flying debris.
Regular Inspections
One of the first steps in preparing your roof for hurricane season is conducting regular inspections. This involves checking for any signs of damage or wear and tear that could be exacerbated by a storm. Here are some things to look for:
Loose or missing shingles: These can be easily torn off during a storm, leading to water intrusion.
Cracks: Cracks in your shingles or roof covering can allow water to seep into your home.
Leaks: If you notice any signs of water damage inside your home, such as water stains on your ceiling or walls, it could be a sign of a leaky roof.
If you spot any issues during your inspection, it’s important to address them immediately to prevent further damage during a storm. You can either fix them yourself or hire a professional roofing contractor to do the job for you. A reputable roofing contractor will be able to assess the condition of your roof and provide you with a free estimate and warranty for their work.
Additional Support
Another key aspect of hurricane preparedness is reinforcing your roof structure. This can involve adding hurricane straps or clips to secure the roof to the walls of your home, reducing the risk of the roof being torn off during a storm. Additionally, consider reinforcing your soffits and gable ends, as these areas can be particularly vulnerable to high winds.
Hurricane straps or clips are metal connectors that attach the roof rafters or trusses to the top plates of the wall framing. They are designed to resist uplift forces caused by strong winds and prevent the roof from separating from the rest of the house. Soffits are the underside of the roof overhangs that connect the roof edge to the wall. Gable ends are the triangular sections of wall at the end of a pitched roof. Both soffits and gable ends can be blown off or damaged by wind pressure or debris if they are not properly secured.
To reinforce your soffits and gable ends, you can use screws, nails or metal brackets to fasten them to the roof framing and wall studs. You can also apply caulk or foam sealant around any gaps or openings that may allow water or air to enter your home.
Specially Designed Roofing Materials
Investing in specially designed roofing materials can also significantly enhance your home’s resilience to hurricanes. High-quality roofing products are engineered to withstand severe weather conditions. These include impact-resistant shingles and underlayment products that provide an extra layer of protection against wind-driven rain.
Impact-resistant shingles are shingles that have been tested and rated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for their ability to resist cracking or breaking when hit by hailstones or other objects. They are labeled with a Class 4 rating, which is the highest level of impact resistance available. Underlayment products are materials that are installed between the roof deck and the shingles to provide a waterproof barrier. They can be made of synthetic materials, such as polypropylene or polyester, that offer superior strength and durability compared to traditional felt paper.
Benefits of Hurricane-Resistant Roofing Materials
Hurricane-resistant roofing materials offer several benefits:
Durability: They can withstand extremely high levels of wind and heavy rainfall.
Low maintenance: They require less repair work than other roofing materials.
Aesthetic appeal: They also offer a unique aesthetic appeal that is not offered by any other type of roofing material.
Another benefit of hurricane-resistant roofing materials is that they may qualify you for discounts on your homeowners insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer incentives for homeowners who install roofing products that meet certain standards of wind and impact resistance. You can check with your insurance agent to see if you are eligible for any discounts or credits.
Conclusion
Remember, preparation is key when it comes to protecting your home from severe weather. Don’t wait until a storm is on the horizon to start thinking about your roof. Start preparing today and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your home is ready for the 2023 hurricane season.
For more information on how NJBESTROOFING.COM can help you prepare your roof for hurricane season in New Jersey, please contact us today. We are a licensed and insured roofing company that specializes in storm damage repair and restoration. We offer free inspections, estimates and warranties for our work. We also have financing options available for qualified customers. Call us today at 732-208-6758 or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment.
References
: [National Hurricane Center] : [New Jersey Hurricane History] : [Hurricane Sandy Damage in New Jersey] : [Roof Damage from Hurricane Sandy] : [Hurricane Straps or Clips] : [Soffits] : [Gable Ends] : [How to Reinforce Soffits and Gable Ends] : [Impact-Resistant Shingles] : [Class 4 Impact Resistance Rating] : [Underlayment Products] : [Synthetic Underlayment vs Felt Paper] : [Insurance Discounts for Hurricane-Resistant Roofing Materials]
