Broward County Roofs Before the Storm Checklist

Long-Range Preparations

Strong winds are often the most dangerous elements of a hurricane. Protecting the roof from high winds is essential to securing the integrity of your home during a storm.

Make sure that shingles, tiles or panels are fastened down tightly and replace any that are missing or loose. Rather than checking the roof yourself, which can be dangerous and cause damage to the roof, hire a licensed roofing professional. Standards For Storm-Proofing A Roof If you need to replace or make significant repairs to your roof, incorporate hurricane-proof measures to ensure that the roof is secure. Discuss these measures with your contractor so your roof is designed with high winds in mind. Contractors should use hot-dipped, galvanized nails instead of staples to attach asphalt shingles. Roof trusses should have braces to prevent a structural element from buckling or racking. Install hurricane straps, which are galvanized metal straps designed to hold the roof rafter to the top of the exterior wall. These clips or straps usually require professional installation, but can limit damage to your roof caused by high hurricane winds.

Short-Range Preparations

Remove turbines.
Trim nearby tree branches.

DURING THE STORM
 
If roof damage is observed during a storm, do not attempt repairs or damage control until after the storm has passed and the “all clear” has been given by Broward County Emergency Management. Never go outside during a storm.

AFTER THE STORM

Make temporary repairs to protect your home.
If your roof is damaged, use tarps secured with strips of wood and nails to cover it as soon as you can. Heavy rains usually occur after a hurricane as feeder bands pass through, and water can cause additional damage to the interior of your home. Any steps you can take to minimize water damage will help.
Repairing An Asphalt Roof Take pictures of your damaged roof for insurance purposes.
Remove loose debris on the roof that could be blown off in a subsequent storm. Because some roofs are in a hazardous condition after wind damage, debris removal should be performed by a licensed professional roofing contractor, if one is available within a reasonable time period. Major repairs should be completed by a licensed professional contractor.

CONTRACTOR TIPS

The demand for qualified contractors after a disaster usually exceeds the supply. Beware of home repair rip-off artists, who may overcharge, perform shoddy work or skip town without finishing your job. Because many legitimate licensed home repair companies can be booked solid for months, frustrated and anxious homeowners and landlords, eager to get their property back in shape, may neglect to take the usual precautions when hiring contractors.

Deal only with licensed and insured contractors. Verify the track record of any roofer, builder or contractor you are thinking of hiring. Ask for a list of recent customers and call them. Get recommendations from friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, insurance agents or claims adjusters. Check with the local consumer protection agency, building officials, and the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been lodged against any contractor you are considering.

Take your time about signing a contract. Get a written estimate that includes any oral promises the contractor made. Remember to ask if there's a charge for an estimate before allowing anyone into your home. Ask for explanations for price variations, and don't automatically choose the lowest bidder. Get a copy of the final, signed contract before the job begins.

Resist dealing with any contractor who asks you to pay for the entire job up-front. A deposit of one-third of the total price is standard procedure. Don't pay cash. Pay only by check or credit card, and pay the final amount only after the work is completed to your satisfaction. Be skeptical of contractors who encourage you to spend a lot of money on temporary repairs. Make sure there is enough money for permanent repairs.

Ask a knowledgeable friend, relative or attorney to review a home repair contract before you sign.
If you take out a loan to pay for the work, be cautious about using your home as security: If you don't repay the loan as agreed, you could lose your home. Consider asking an attorney to review the loan documents, as well.
If you suspect a repair rip-off, call the your local or state consumer agency and your building departments.