Roof Talk-101  How to Prepare a Commercial Roof for a Hurricane

Lisa Barth-GAF

It’s not just homeowners who need to be worried when a hurricane hits. Commercial roofs are also vulnerable to damage and need to be properly maintained to withstand strong winds and heavy rains. Below are key areas a building owner or facility manager needs to address before extreme weather hits to ensure a commercial property is ready for a storm’s wrath.

The main areas where a low-slope roof system could fail in a storm include the perimeter, corners, seams, and flashing areas, such as A/C units, vents, windows, and doors. These weak openings could be compromised by the elements and can contribute to wind uplift, so prevention is key. Before a storm hits, it’s important to:

• Inspect and clean drains and gutters on the building
• Remove or tie down any loose items that could blow off a roof, like antennas or AC units
• Cover skylights and glass openings with plywood to prevent leaking or breakage
• Remove garbage cans, signs that swing or are portable, and anything else around the building that could become a dangerous projectile
• Take photos on the roof (and around the property), so you can show the conditions before and after a storm, which will help if you need to make an insurance claim for damages.

Make sure you review your insurance coverage, have a building evacuation plan in place, and keep equipment and supplies on hand such as sandbags, plywood, tape, and saws. An emergency generator is also helpful to install if power outages occur. As a building owner, communication is key in making sure everyone is notified and aware of any unsafe conditions on the premises.

ROOFGUARD-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFGUARD -LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information ROOFGUARD-LLC visit us at. www.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .