When hurricane season is around the corner, this should send you into a flurry of preparation, especially where your roof is concerned. But, on the other hand, it might be better to hold off on roof repairs until hurricane season is over. So, what should a prudent homeowner do?
Get Your Roof Ready Before Hurricane Season
The common argument for waiting until after hurricane season is over to repair the roof is that it’s better to do the repairs all at once instead of paying twice. While it’s true that your roof will likely sustain storm damage, the truth is some proactivity can help reduce the extent of the damage.
So, there are many things you can do to prepare your roof to ensure it withstands hurricane season a bit better. However, it’s probably better to focus on minor repairs and schedule major repairs later. When preparing your roof for hurricane season, the biggest thing you want to guard against is leakage.
You’ll want to ensure your structure is as waterproof as possible. Otherwise, you’re looking at severe water damage and moisture penetration that makes the inside of your home uncomfortable. Therefore, you need to fix missing, broken, loose, or damaged shingles plus other weak points that can cause the structure to cave in.
The truth is, you can never know what’s going on with your roof as some problems are hidden. That’s why it’s best to schedule a professional roof inspection. An experienced roofing contractor can assess your roof and inform you of the necessary repairs required to fortify your roof.
Why You Should Wait to Make Major Repairs
Generally, it would be best if you waited until hurricane season is over to make major repairs for the following reasons:
- Not enough time. Major roof repairs take time, so it’s better to wait until there’s ample time and little chance of disruption to your project. This ensures quality work that leaves your roof in the best condition for the next hurricane season.
- It saves you money. The last thing you want is to pay for major repairs that can quickly become undone when Mother Nature is in full swing.
So, you should plan to shell out for major roof repair after hurricane season. However, you shouldn’t wait too long because you can save plenty of money by acting quickly. If left unchecked, moisture intrusion results in more expensive problems, such as mold growth, wood rot, and widespread water damage.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), homeowners and business owners should hire a professional roofing contractor soon after hurricane season to get their roofs properly inspected.
Here’s a quick pro top: You should schedule roof repairs well before hurricane season is over, so your name is higher up on the waitlist. The time after hurricane season is usually busy, and it’s often challenging to schedule roof repairs as soon as you want.
Repairs can sometimes take weeks, so getting your roof inspected early gives you a good idea of what needs to be prioritized to minimize the damage caused by hurricane season.
Is a Roof Replacement Necessary?
Sometimes, repairing your roof before or after hurricane season might not be enough. This is usually the case if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. The problem with repairing an old roof is that it’s simply not enough to give your home adequate protection.
Moreover, it’s more expensive since you’re looking at frequent repairs in the future as your roof experiences more wear and tear. That’s why it’s advisable to schedule a roof inspection as early as possible. In all likelihood, your roofer might suggest making a few crucial but inexpensive repairs before hurricane season and then roof replacement afterward.
A new roof will give you more peace of mind, and you’ll sleep better at night knowing you have the best protection. For a long-lasting roof that gets you through future hurricane seasons, check out these three tips to maintain your home’s roof.
Now’s a Good Time to Get a Roof Inspection
Contact HW Roofing today to schedule a free roof inspection. Serving St. Augustine and Jacksonville, FL, we have over a decade of experience helping homeowners prepare their roofs for hurricane season. Knowing whether to repair or wait will help you make an informed decision that can save you a lot of hassle. So be sure to take advantage of our free offer!