Baton Rouge Roofing: Ready for Hurricane Season?

Editor's note: This post was originally published on June 23, 2014 and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.

 This hurricane season is preceded by a harsher than usual winter. So before the warnings, winds and rains that accompany this time of the year approach the Baton Rouge area, it’s a great idea to take a look and make some preparations for your roof.

Following a very wet, cold winter it is important to determine and discover any damage that may have occurred from the ice and sleet storms we had only 4 months ago. While looking over your roof on a seasonal basis is a good way to take less expensive and less intensive preventative measures, this is especially true as we transition between two drastically different climates.

Here are a few things to look for when analyzing your roof for damage from this past winter that could become a major issue in a tropical storm or hurricane:

• Check for loose, broken or missing shingles.

• Examine gutters for debris.

• Remove debris from roof.

• Ensure gutters are secure.

• Check vulnerable areas of your roof for damage.

Once you’ve assessed the current condition of your roof, you can take a couple of steps to prevent further damage, protect your home from potential storms and/or make permanent improvements. Here are some simple measures that can be taken to protect your roof during hurricane season.

• Examine the adhesive, if you have asphalt shingles . It can lose holding capacity over time, making shingles vulnerable to wind. This can be remedied with roofing cement. Any shingles you see that are beginning to curl or come away from the roof can be cemented back down.

• Examine your roof’s ridge. Determine how it was installed. If mortar alone was used, this could result in your roof ridge tiles becoming airborne in high winds. Securing these tiles with an attached ridge board that is clipped to the structure would be the best option.

• If you are in the process or market for a new roof during this time of the year, you want to select shingles that are rated for wind. A high class G or H shingle would be best, especially when combined with a synthetic roof underlayment.

While some of these repairs and upgrades can be done by you, it is important to consider your comfort on a ladder as well as on top of your house. Make sure you are doing things as safely as possible. You can also trust this work, or an entire roof replacement to the company that has been caring for Baton Rouge homes and businesses for over 50 years, Cribbs Incorporated. Before and after every storm, the professionals at Cribbs have provided curb appeal and protection for Baton Rouge. For more information, or a free estimate, click here .