Is Your Commercial Roof Ready for Hurricane Season? | Here’s How To Prepare
During summertime, severe weather can strike at any time in the Southeast. This is especially true during hurricane season when tropical disturbances are more likely to develop into dangerous storms, likely to affect local businesses in Mississippi and Alabama.
If your roof is damaged or lifted during a storm, those inside are at serious risk of injury from flying debris and structural failure. To help protect your property and maintain a safe environment, we’ve outlined several important measures that Mississippi and Alabama business owners can take to prepare their commercial roofs ahead of severe weather.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Getting your gutters and downspouts cleaned ahead of hurricane season can help protect your building from water damage. During hurricanes, wind and rain can cause debris to accumulate in your drainage quickly. If your gutters become clogged, they can be easily overwhelmed by the incoming rain, causing water to back up onto the roof or overflow near the foundation.
Stagnant water can leak to costly issues like:
- Roof leaks
- Weakened foundation
- Sagging roof
- Interior flooding
- Corrosion
- Rot
- Mold and mildew growth
Having a professional cleaning reduces the likelihood that your gutters and downspouts will experience clogs. This proactive approach mitigates the risk of water damage, protecting your building’s structure and interior from costly repairs. Regular professional cleanings also extend the lifespan of your roofing materials, ensuring you get the most out of your roof.
Trim Overhanging Trees and Branches
Keeping overhanging trees and branches maintained is an important preventative measure for commercial properties, especially ahead of serious storms. High winds and heavy rain can easily snap branches or uproot weakened trees. If they land on your roof, it can cause serious damage to the system itself.
Additionally, HVAC units and other types of rooftop equipment may be damaged by falling debris. Removing potential hazards lowers the likelihood of damage, and in the best-case scenario, can help businesses avoid costly storm damage repairs.
Secure Your Rooftop Equipment
Before a storm rolls in, businesses may want to secure their rooftop equipment. If left unrestrained, AC units, vents and satellite dishes can become dangerous projectiles during a storm, posing serious risks to people and nearby structures.
Properly anchoring and bracing rooftop equipment helps prevent damage, reduces safety hazards and ensures continued operation after an extreme weather event. It’s also advised that hardware and mounts are checked to ensure that they’re strong enough to combat hurricane-level winds.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Making sure you have sufficient insurance coverage is crucial for commercial businesses preparing for hurricane season. Storm damage happens and it’s important that roof repairs are covered by your company. Ensure your coverage includes:
- Protection against wind
- Water
- Storm-related damage
- Business interruption (in case of prolonged closures)
Additionally, understanding what is and isn’t covered allows you to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses after a storm. Take time to update your policy if necessary and document your property’s condition with photos.
Documentation is invaluable during the claims process, making it harder for insurance companies to deny your claim and helping ensure you receive the maximum coverage for necessary repairs.
Have a Professional Roof Inspection Done
Having a professional roof inspection done before hurricane season is one of the best ways to safeguard your commercial or industrial property. An experienced roofer can identify existing vulnerabilities like loose flashing, damaged membranes or weakened areas that could fail under the immense stress of hurricane-grade winds.
Addressing these issues early lowers the likelihood that your roof will have extensive leaks, structural damage and emergency repairs. This not only helps businesses save on repairs but routine inspections also extend the life of your roof. Plus, you can have peace of mind knowing your employees and livelihood are protected if you're caught in an unexpected storm.
Have Access to Emergency Roof Services
If your business is located in a hurricane-prone area, it’s crucial to have a reliable contact for emergency roofing services before disaster strikes. A severely compromised roof can halt operations and pose serious safety risks for everyone on site. Local business owners not only face the threat of damage but may also be the target of out-of-town storm chasers.
These contractors offer quick fixes that may be overpriced, poorly executed or lack proper licensing and insurance. You don’t want to be vulnerable during such a critical time. Whether you need to stop a leak, get your roof tarped or stabilize structural damage, having a trusted local professional on call ensures quick, reliable service and long-term protection for your property.
Looking for Reliable Emergency Services? We’ve Got You Covered
When it comes to emergency roofing, we’ve got you covered. At Norman Roofing, we specialize in emergency roofing services across communities in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. We provide 24/7 coverage all the way from Jackson to Mobile and more.
If you’re a southeast business owner looking for a fast and reliable emergency roofing contractor, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us today at 601-483-4079 to learn more about our emergency roofing services.
If you’re looking to get ahead of hurricane season, we also provide in-depth inspections and maintenance for commercial and industrial roofs. We specialize in both steep and low-slope roofs, providing solutions catered to your unique needs. For more information about our other services, including installation, visit our website by clicking the link
here.
