The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, with the statistical peak occurring on September 10. In fact, hurricanes in the Atlantic basin can occur earlier or later than those dates so it is good to stay prepared. If you have a commercial building it is important to follow these tips to keep your roof in good condition.
Schedule regular inspections — An annual inspection of the roof by a licensed contractor such as Sutter Roofing is a good idea. Small defects can cause huge water problems when tropical weather arrives, and any loose items can be ripped away by higher winds. An inspection should cover the following items as a minimum:
- Membrane roofs — Holes, tears, or the accumulated effects of age and sun.
- Flashings — All flashings should be correctly attached and sealed.
- Rooftop equipment — Air conditioning, plumbing, and other equipment creates holes in the roof which must be inspected and sealed.
- Gutters, downspouts, and drains — All parts used to remove water from the roof should be inspected for cleanliness and that they are properly secured to the building.
Trim those trees — Any trees hanging over your building or near it should be trimmed before hurricane season starts. A strong hurricane can remove the roofs from buildings and turn over cars, so trees haven’t a chance and you don’t want any overhanging or dead branches near your structure.
Have a regular maintenance program — Even better than an annual inspection is a regular maintenance program. Sutter Roofing can develop a maintenance program for your roof to catch those little problems before they become big ones. Regular maintenance is the best way to minimize damage when storms occur.
Keep insurance coverage and warranties up to date — When tropical storms hit, that is not the best time to search for your documentation of insurance coverage and warranties. Have the information readily at hand along with a list of trusted contractors like Sutter Roofing.
Sutter Roofing provides professional commercial roof services across most of Florida. We have offices in Sarasota, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville. We also offer roofing services in West Virginia. We can handle installations, repairs, and maintenance programs for commercial buildings. Call us at 800-741-0090 or 941-377-1000 for more information.