Living in Orlando, Florida, means enjoying the sunshine state’s year-round tropical climate. However, it also means being ready for hurricane season in Orlando, which runs from June to November each year. One of the most vulnerable parts of a commercial building during a hurricane is its roof. We will cover 5 steps on How to Prepare Your Commercial Roof Before Hurricanes in Orlando Florida.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on preparing your commercial roof before hurricanes hit Orlando, Florida. Keep your property safe and minimize damage caused by strong winds and heavy rains. So let’s get started!
Prepare Your Property for Hurricane Impact
Hurricanes are one of the most powerful natural disasters that can hit Florida, causing significant damage to commercial properties. That’s why it’s crucial to prepare your property ahead of time for hurricane impact.
- One way to do it is to create an emergency preparedness plan that outlines your steps in case a hurricane strikes.
- Securing any loose objects or equipment outside is another essential step in preparing your property for hurricanes.
- This includes things like patio furniture, signage, and trash cans. These items can become dangerous projectiles during high winds and cause severe damage.
- If you have trees on your property, be sure to trim them before hurricane season starts.
- Overhanging branches can break off during storms and damage roofs or windows.
- Additionally, consider removing any dead or weak trees that could fall down during a storm.
- Make sure all entryways into the building are secure with sturdy doors and shutters that can withstand strong winds and debris impacts.
5 Steps on How to Prepare Your Commercial Roof Before Hurricanes
Taking these steps will help ensure your commercial property is better equipped to handle the impact of a hurricane when it hits Orlando, Florida.
1. Inspect Your Roof for Damages
One of the most important steps you can do to prepare your commercial roof for hurricane season is to inspect it thoroughly for any signs of damage. Even small issues can become major problems during a storm, so addressing them before they escalate is essential.
Start by walking around the perimeter of your building and visually inspecting the roof from the ground. Look for any obvious signs of wear and tear. If you see missing shingles or cracked tiles, make sure to address it right away. Pay close attention to the spots that are more susceptible to damage, such as corners and edges.
Next, climb up onto your roof (or hire a professional if you’re not comfortable doing so) and perform a closer inspection. Check for any cracks in flat roofs or gaps between tiles on sloped roofs. Look out for water stains that could indicate leaks or soft spots on the surface of your roof.
It’s also essential to check all flashing around vents, chimneys, and other protrusions through the roof. Make sure everything is properly sealed with caulk or roofing cement.
By taking these steps now, you’ll be able to identify any potential weaknesses in your commercial roof before hurricane season arrives – giving you plenty of time to make repairs and ensure its structural integrity when it matters most!
2. Remove any debris from your roof
One of the essential things to prepare your commercial roof before hurricanes in Orlando, Florida, is to remove any debris from it. Debris, such as branches, leaves, and other foreign objects, can cause significant damage when winds pick up during a hurricane.
- The first step is to clear out your gutters and downpipes so that water can flow freely off your roof. Clogged gutters can lead to water buildup on the rooftop, which could eventually seep into your building’s interior, causing extensive damage.
- Next, inspect the surface of the roof for any debris or broken shingles. Even small pieces of debris can become projectiles during high-speed winds and cause severe harm. If trees nearby have overhanging limbs or branches leaning towards the building’s rooftop, trim them back adequately.
- It’s also important to ensure that there are no loose items like tools or equipment lying on top of your commercial property’s rooftop. During strong storms with heavy rains and gusts of wind reaching 100 mph or more in some cases, these objects will move around due to their lightweight, leading them to fly off roofs and becoming hazards for pedestrians below.
By removing all debris from your commercial property’s roof ahead of hurricanes season, you’ll be better prepared for harsh weather conditions while reducing risks associated with potential destruction caused by falling branches & other projectile objects blown around by high-speed winds brought about during natural disasters including tropical storms & hurricanes alike.
3. Install hurricane straps
Installing hurricane straps is one of the best ways to prepare your commercial roof for potential hurricane impact. These straps are designed to keep your roof securely attached to the walls of your building, ensuring that it doesn’t get ripped off during high winds.
Hurricane straps can be installed on both new and existing roofs. If you’re constructing a new building, make sure to include hurricane straps in your design plans. For existing buildings, a professional roofing contractor can install them for you.
The installation process involves attaching steel or aluminum connectors between the trusses or rafters and the top plate of each wall. The connectors are then bolted into place with strong screws or nails.
While installing hurricane straps may require an upfront investment, it’s a small price compared to repairing damage caused by a severe storm. With this simple addition, you can have peace of mind knowing that your commercial property will be better protected against hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions.
4. Secure your roof with brackets and chains
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your commercial roof for hurricanes in Orlando, Florida is to secure it with brackets and chains. These will help hold your roof in place during high winds and prevent any significant damage.
Brackets are attached securely to the building’s structure, which allows them to support the weight of the roof. Chains provide additional support by holding down the brackets tightly against your roof.
When installing these items, they must be installed correctly and according to manufacturer specifications. This will ensure maximum effectiveness during a storm.
It may be tempting to try and install these items yourself, but we highly recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor for this task. They have experience working with bracket and chain systems and know how to install them for optimal results properly.
Investing time into securing your commercial roof now can save you thousands of dollars in repairs later on if a hurricane hits. So don’t wait until it’s too late – take action today! These steps will help you Prepare Your Commercial Roof Before Hurricane in Orlando Florida.
5. Fill any holes in your roof with plastic sheeting
In summary, preparing your commercial roof before a hurricane in Orlando, Florida, can prevent significant damage and save you money on repairs. Start by securing any loose items around the property that could become projectiles during the storm. Inspect your roof for existing damages and remove any debris that may cause further harm. Hire a local Orlando commercial roofer.
Installing hurricane straps, brackets, and chains will reinforce your roof’s structure against strong winds. Filling any holes with plastic sheeting provides an extra layer of protection against water damage.
By following these steps, you’ll be better prepared to face hurricanes with confidence, knowing that your commercial property is secure and protected. Take action now to safeguard one of your most valuable assets!