How to Prep My Commercial Roof for Hurricanes in Orlando
Orlando, Florida, is a city that’s famous worldwide for its captivating theme parks, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant culture. However, being located in a hurricane region means companies must safeguard the roofs of their buildings from these potentially dangerous storms. Make sure to prepare your commercial roof for hurricanes in Orlando before they hit the area.
Hurricanes are well known for bringing winds, rainfall, and airborne debris that can cause significant damage to business properties with unprepared roofs. This post will discuss the steps you can take during Orlando’s hurricane season to protect your roof. Ultimately, safeguard your business.
Regular Roof Inspections
It’s really important to make sure you thoroughly inspect your business building’s roof before the storm season starts. Finding a roofing contractor who has worked on commercial structures before is an idea. These experts can. Address any issues with your roof, like leaks, damaged or loose materials, or deteriorated sections. By performing maintenance and repairs in a manner, you can greatly enhance your roof’s ability to withstand the force of a storm.
Reinforce Roof Structure
To prepare for a storm, it is crucial to strengthen the structure of your roof. Ensure that the roofing system is securely connected to the building’s framework. This involves inspecting the stability of the roof deck fasteners, as any supporting beams and trusses. Reinforcing any areas will enhance your roof’s ability to withstand the storm winds.
Choose the Right Roofing Material
When preparing for a storm, one of the considerations is selecting the roofing material. Some options are specifically designed to withstand storm conditions better than others. For example, metal and slate are known for their durability and ability to withstand winds and debris impact. Many people choose metal roofing for its lifespan and resistance to these elements. Another excellent choice for roofs in hurricane areas like Orlando is single-ply membrane systems, such as TPO or PVC. These systems consist of a layer of material providing strong wind resistance.
Maintain Drainage Systems
You must have appropriate drainage if you don’t want water to accumulate on your roof during the heavy rain that hurricanes generally bring. When drains, scuppers, and gutters are damaged or blocked, water cannot flow freely, which can cause leaks and possibly the roof collapse. Make sure your drainage systems are regularly cleaned and well-maintained if you want them to be ready to handle the extra water that storms bring.
Install Roof Membranes and Sealants
To make your roof more water-resistant, apply a waterproof membrane or sealer to it. This will prevent water from penetrating the roof in the first place. The use of these protective coatings has the ability to create an additional barrier against the infiltration of water, hence reducing the possibility that a storm will cause leaks. Be sure to bring this up in a conversation with an expert roofing contractor in order to obtain their opinion on the type of membrane or sealant that would work best with the material that you currently use for your roof.
Secure Roof Penetrations
During a storm, roof penetrations like vents, HVAC systems, and skylights can become vulnerable locations in the structure. It is absolutely necessary to provide proper protection for these penetrations. As part of this process, the supports may need to be strengthened, and the apertures may need to be sealed over in order to prevent wind and water from entering. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to put hurricane-rated coverings or shutters over roof-mounted equipment in order to provide enough protection from falling debris.
Trim Trees and Vegetation
The city of Orlando is home to a vast amount of vegetation, all of which has the potential to become a significant hazard during storms. Strong winds can jeopardize your commercial property if surrounding trees or branches hang low enough to put them in danger of falling onto your roof or causing other damage to your building. Regular pruning and other forms of upkeep performed on the flora and florae in the immediate vicinity of your building can help reduce the chance of an impact caused by falling debris.
Strengthen Roof Edges
The edges of the roof of your commercial establishment are the parts of the structure that are most likely to experience damage in the case of a storm. Strong winds can cause uplift pressures to be generated, which might eventually lead to the roof membrane becoming detached from its support. If you want to prevent anything like this from occurring, you might consider reinforcing the roof edges with edge features or fasteners that are resistant to hurricanes. In addition, the building of a parapet wall can provide further protection against rain that has been driven by wind.
Create a Roof Inspection and Maintenance Plan
It is possible to considerably increase one’s degree of preparedness for a storm by adopting preventative actions regarding roof maintenance. Establish a plan for the inspection and maintenance of the roof, which should include a timetable for doing routine checks, methods for performing repairs, and procedures for responding to unexpected events. Employ the assistance of a skilled roofing contractor to assist you with these responsibilities, and make it a point to keep detailed records of all preventative maintenance work carried out.
Emergency Preparedness
Although preparation is extremely important, having an emergency plan in place for your property is one of the vital steps you can take to safeguard it during a storm. This entails identifying areas within your building for occupancy, securing any objects that could become projectiles if they were to come loose, and stocking up on supplies in an emergency. By ensuring that your staff is well-informed about your disaster plan and knowledgeable about what actions to take during a storm, you can ensure their readiness for any circumstances.
Conclusion
Ensuring the readiness of your commercial roof for hurricanes in Orlando goes beyond protecting your property. It is crucial for safeguarding your business and the well-being of your employees and customers. By adhering to the guidelines presented in this article, you can significantly enhance the resilience of your roof. Minimize the potential for expensive damages during hurricane season. It is important to prioritize maintenance, regular inspections, and selecting roofing materials as integral components of an effective hurricane preparedness strategy. By taking these measures, your commercial property will be better equipped to withstand the storm when hurricane season arrives.