In Assam, the Hurricane season begins in April and lasts throughout the monsoon season.
Although your home may or may not face the brunt of a major hurricane, it will almost certainly
be subjected to heavy winds and rains associated with the long season. So you should take
some basic steps to ensure that your roof can withstand a storm, and what to do if your roof is
damaged by severe weather. Let us look at some dos and don’ts to protect and maintain your
roof before a hurricane hits.

Check Roof for damages

 

It is a must for you to keep up with your roof’s regular maintenance needs throughout the year.
You need to check that the roof, valleys and gutters are clear of debris, loose or broken
shingles. Before the monsoon starts, ask your gardener to trim the branches from nearby trees,
so that they don’t come within 10 feet of your home.
A pre- clean up of the roof is essential when a storm is headed your way. If you neglect to
dispose of the debris that collects on your roof, it can trap moisture and prevent it from running
off, causing rot and possible leaks.

Replace broken gutters

If your roof lacks a gutter system, has poorly installed gutters or the gutters are in disrepair,
have them installed or replaced. Gutters help channel water away from your roof and home and
they are vital during the rainy season.

Rain barrels

Installing rain barrels to collect water from the storms will not only help prevent flooding from the
heavy water runoff, but the reclaimed water can later be used to water your plants and lawn on
the next dry and sunny day.

Start clearing rainwater

Clean the gutters, drains and downspouts of leaves, pine straw and other clogs so that they can
properly drain the large volume of rainwater from the storm. Stagnant rainwater pools in your
gutters could overflow and cause your roof, siding and trim to rot. It could cause your gutters to
pull away from your house or collapse, especially if excess water has weakened the areas
attached to the gutters.

Use a broom to clean the roof

While cleaning the roof and gutters avoid walking on the roof as much as you can, especially if
it’s steep. You can use a soft broom or leaf blower to remove any debris from the roof surface of
using a hose or broom handle to clear leaves and other debris from your gutters.

When the storm breaks
Secure doors and windows.

To keep your home safe from debris flying through the air or breaking a window, make sure
your doors and windows are tightly secured and locked during the height of the storm. Wind
entering through open windows can suddenly increase the pressure inside your home, and your
roof will act as a giant parachute. Make sure you cover your windows or use plywood to board
up the chinks.

Secure loose items

Loose objects or items may damage your home, or anyone else’s. So, store furniture of garden
items in your garage shed or home.

Update your insurance policy

To deal with any exigencies make sure that you have no coverage gaps. Therefore, if a tree hits
your home or a limb strikes, the first thing you need to do is contact your insurance company.

Things to do after the storm

You have to take some sort of preventative maintenance similar to what you did before the
storm. Start clearing your roof and gutters of debris and check for loose or broken shingles. If
you notice damages, contact a roofing contractor right away.

Take an inventory

You have to be ready for the insurance company when they send an adjuster to your home.
Prepare now by taking photos and videos of your home that you can provide to an adjuster for comparison.