Living in Florida comes with its own set of challenges, including hot summers, intense humidity, and the ever-present threat of hurricanes. As we count down to the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season on June 1, it’s crucial to be mindful of the potential activity in the Atlantic this year. While we are in no rush for the season to begin, let’s look at some signs that may paint a picture of what activity in the Gulf may be like this year.
Water Temperatures
While water temperatures will always change depending on how the regional and global weather patterns behave, it is important to note that we are seeing warmer-than-average water temperatures already across a good chunk of the Atlantic Basin. If water temperatures stay above average, the extra warmth can always be a good source of energy for potential and developing tropical cyclones.
La Niña?
Additionally, the possibility of a La Niña event developing during the upcoming summer season is on the rise. La Niña, characterized by cooler equatorial waters in the Pacific, tends to reduce wind shear across the Atlantic, creating more favorable atmospheric conditions for tropical storms and hurricanes to enter the Gulf. In contrast, El Niño, marked by warming eastern Pacific waters, typically increases wind shear in the Atlantic, hindering storm development or steering them into the Atlantic as we saw last year. La Niña’s influence on global weather patterns is significant. It leads to less wind shear across the Atlantic, meaning atmospheric conditions are more favorable for tropical storms and hurricanes in the basin. La Niña events also contribute to cooler equatorial waters in the Pacific, impacting global weather patterns. While there are currently no official forecasts from CSU, NOAA, or other outlets, considering the potential influence of La Niña and the continuation of warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, an above-average season in terms of named storms is plausible.
With hurricane season looming, homeowners need to prepare their homes and families for potential storms. Now is the time to ensure your home is prepared for any hurricanes that may come our way this year. Ensuring your roof is prepared for hurricane season is paramount to safeguarding your home and loved ones against the destructive forces of severe weather.
Here’s a breakdown of essential steps every homeowner should consider:
Early Preparation: Start preparing your roof well in advance of hurricane season to alleviate stress when storms approach. Document everything before the storm hits. Documenting and photographing your roof before the storm hits could be invaluable for insurance purposes. In the event of damage, thorough documentation streamlines the insurance claims process, enabling quicker repairs. Keep records of maintenance and pre-storm conditions to facilitate a smoother resolution with your insurance provider.
Professional Inspection: opt for a professional roof inspection to identify and address any issues before they escalate during a storm. This proactive approach not only saves money but also ensures your roof is in optimal condition to withstand hurricane-force winds and rain.
Roof Maintenance Plan: Consider enrolling in a comprehensive maintenance plan. These plans include licensed contractor inspections, early problem detection, routine maintenance and a stress-free experience when a storm damages your home. The RoofPro Roofing Maintenance Plan offers an industry-first protection plan, putting you first on the list for emergency tarping after a storm. No need to call around to find a roofer to protect your home, they will be there as soon as the wind dies to tarp the roof at no charge to you. They will then assist you in the claims process to get your roof repaired in a timely manner.
Clean Surroundings: Trim trees and clean gutters to prevent debris from becoming projectiles during high winds and to ensure proper water drainage, mitigating potential roof damage.
Roof Type Consideration: Understand the specific maintenance needs of your roof type. Whether it’s asphalt shingles or metal roofing, address issues like loose or missing shingles to fortify your roof’s resilience against hurricanes. Metal and tile roofs have stronger resistance to high winds than shingle roofs. A new shingle roof will hold much better than a shingle roof over 10 years old. This better wind resistance is due to the adhesives within the shingles. If your carrier has told you to change your roof soon or they will drop you, it’s because of this – a new shingle roof will hold on through high winds better than an older shingle roof. If this is the case with your roof, it may be time to replace the roof before storm season.
Post-Storm Inspection: Following a storm, promptly schedule a thorough roof inspection by professionals to detect any hidden damage. Timely repairs are crucial to prevent water intrusion and further structural deterioration. If you have any damage to your roof, it’s best to get it repaired as soon as possible! During a hurricane, your home can experience winds up to 155 mph. Damage to your roof could be from wind, rain, debris, or all three.
By prioritizing these measures, you can fortify your roof against the formidable forces of hurricanes, ensuring your home remains safe and secure during storm season.
For more information, contact Roof Pro Roofing, at (850) 332-3330 or visit www.roofproroofing.com.
