Hurricane Season is Upon Us: What Homeowners Need to Know

Between tropical storm Olivia in the Pacific and Hurricane Florence in the Atlantic, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) strongly recommends homeowners take the following steps to help protect their roofs and properties from the storms.

·         Make those small fixes and repairs. Work with a roofing contractor or a certified home inspector to evaluate your roof and make needed repairs to flashing, caulking and shingles as soon as possible. Many leaks occur where roofs meet sidewalls and around penetrations such as skylights, vent pipes and chimneys. Missing or broken shingles need to be individually replaced and loose shingle tabs should be re-adhered.

·         Check what’s above your roof. Dangling tree branches or those that scrape against a roof can cause significant damage during a hurricane. Cut back large branches which extend over roofs, and have a professional inspect your yard for trees that should be removed altogether. Also, clean out gutters and roof valleys clogged with leaves, branches or litter, which will help water drain properly.

·         Inspect for leaks. Even minor roof leaks can become a serious problem when a major hurricane arrives. To check for leaks, inspect interior walls and ceilings for old stains and water damage. Also, shine a flashlight into the attic during the next rainstorm and look for any active leaks on the underside of the roof deck.

Note:  Always take precaution when inspecting the conditions of your roofing system and consult a roofing professional if necessary, a homeowner should not climb on top of their roof.

“Asphalt roofing shingles are durable by design and the trusted roofing option for the majority of American homes,” said Reed Hitchcock, executive vice president of ARMA. “Even so, major storms and hurricanes are unpredictable and inherently dangerous. By following these recommendations and taking proactive measures, the small fixes homeowners make now could help prevent serious and costly damage during a hurricane.”

For more information on asphalt roofing and storm preparedness, visit ARMA’s website at www.asphaltroofing.org. Homeowners should also stay informed of weather conditions, and familiarize themselves with other hurricane safety steps and measures recommended by governmental authorities, public utilities and emergency services providers.

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About ARMA:

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is the North American trade association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of bituminous-based residential and commercial roofing products, including asphalt shingle roofing systems, modified bitumen roofing systems, roll roofing systems, and built-up (BUR) roofing systems. For more information visit www.asphaltroofing.org, or follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.
 

​Contact: Zachary Harris

212-297-2153

zharris@kellencompany.com