Each year, businesses throughout Houston and Katy ready themselves for hurricane season. The Gulf Coast is one of the most susceptible environments for commercial properties, with its strong winds, copious depths of rainfall, and storm events that happen in the blink of an eye. Your roofing system is one of the more significant vulnerable areas of your building. Proper commercial roof hurricane preparedness protects your investment, as well as allows your business to continue with little disruption.
Why Hurricanes Are a Major Threat to Commercial Roofs
Unlike residential roofs, the majority of commercial roofing systems are flat or low-slope. They are purposely designed for durability, but their architecture does provide added risk when storms occur, including pooling water, the potential for uplift from high winds, and debris impact, and sometimes significant issues can arise within hours of a storm.
Some common weaknesses that property owners should be mindful of include:
- AC system or antenna on the roof which could become loose during storms creating flying debris
- Deterioration of or poorly installed or damaged flashing and the risk of it becoming unsealed during strong winds
- Drainage, including failure to empty, and stagnate rainwater into pools
- Aging rooftop systems that may be reused after a storm but unlikely to be rotable and it may be just a matter of time before a roof failure occurs
Knowing these weaknesses gives businesses an opportunity to make decisions and take action to prevent loss before storms become a serious consideration.
Houston Commercial Roofing Hurricane Tips
Preventive care is the best option for businesses across Texas states. Below are some important Houston commercial roofing hurricane tips business owners should do before severe weather sets in.
- Book Routine Roof Inspections – Get a licensed roofing contractor out to check the condition of your membranes, seams, flashing, and drain systems. Finding a small issue before it turns into a later big problem.
- Fortify Weak Areas – Fasten flashing, check rooftop penetrations, and ensure curb-mounted equipment is fastened properly.
- Clear Gutters, Drains, and Compare Debris on Rooftops – Make sure water is draining freely off the roof to limit leakage potential.
- Trim Surrounding Trees – Dead or dying overhanging branches can create penetrations in your roof when the winds pick up.
- Look at Roof Alternatives – Invest in wind-resistant membranes or coastal climate-compliant coating and membranes.
When combined as a seasonal maintenance plan, these tips allow you to continue protecting your commercial roof year after year.
How to Prepare Commercial Roof for Hurricane Season – Step-By-Step
Apart from the above immediate things to take care of, a planned out preparation will just work to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Below is how to practically handle the preparation of your commercial roof for hurricane preparedness:
- Conduct Pre-Season Inspections – Monitor existing conditions, and evaluate if drainage aspects (tweeter systems) of the commercial roof are functioning.
- Document for Insurance – Create documentation via photographs and written evaluations, to prepare and mitigate the insurance claim process.
- Assess Your Building Envelope – Roofing, siding, and windows should all be secured and sealed to mitigate exposure and down downward movement of the building envelope and features.
- Secure Roof Top Equipment – Secure all HVAC units, solar panels, vents, and signage aggressively to the roof.
- Have an Emergency Response Partner – Collaborate with a local roofing contractor who can offer a 24/7 (storm-response) service option as disasters strike.
This checklist ensures that you are not only maintaining your existing roof but also preparing for hurricane disaster.
Post-Storm Inspections and Texas Storm Damage Roof Repair
Even when we’re widely prepared, the untamed forces of nature can cause devastation nonetheless. After the storms pass, engaging experienced contractors for post-event inspections is a priority. Commercial roofing professionals in Houston can help uncover storm-related problems that exist though they may be hidden until a professional inspection. They are particularly adept at discerning leak problems, membrane ruptures, or layered insulation problems.
If you did experience storm damage and need to repair your roof, don’t delay — Texas storm damage roof repair should commence as soon as possible to eliminate small problems from either worrying you with the potential of causality (structural damage) or affecting business productivity. The difference between a minor repair and a complete roof replacement could come down to timeliness and urgency of action.
Long-Term Strategies for Hurricane Roof Readiness
In addition to seasonal checklists, businesses can also positively alter their property through long-term methods:
- Roof coatings – Coatings help to make roofs more waterproof and add a little extra wind resistance.
- Reinforcement of flashing and edges – Generally, these are the first points of attack from hurricane winds so reinforcing these points is always helpful.
- Upgraded hurricane-resistant materials – If your commercial roofing system is old, upgrading to hurricane-resistant components can limit your losses in case a storm arises.
- Routine maintenance contracts – If your business has a regular maintenance contract with a roofing company, work can be done throughout the year instead of solely prior to hurricane season.
When roofs are maintained in a continuous process instead of a single event process used for “preparing for storms”, a business can reduce the overall risk in the long run.
Protect Your Business Before the Next Storm Hits
Whether you run a small retail space or a large industrial facility. Hurricane preparedness should be a part of your property management plan every year. Hurricane preparedness for your commercial roof will protect your building, your employees, your customers, and your equipment.
If you’re not sure if your roof will hold up this hurricane season, don’t wait until it is damaged. Contact us today for inspection, maintenance, or emergency Houston commercial roofing and we’ll take care of everything. We’ll provide peace of mind and fast Texas storm damage roof repair whenever you need it. Call us today to schedule an inspection and keep your commercial property safe all season.
