When Hurricane Season Strikes Long Island: Your Complete Guide to Roof Protection and Recovery in 2024
Long Island’s unique coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage, with record rainfall on August 18-19, 2024, homeowners on Long Island sustained home damage from severe weather events. As we continue through the 2024 hurricane season, which runs from June 1st through November 30th according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), homeowners must understand how to prepare their roofs and recover from storm damage effectively.
Understanding Hurricane Season’s Impact on Long Island Roofs
The 2024 hurricane season has proven particularly challenging, with 18 named storms causing an estimated $500 billion loss from five hurricanes and one tropical storm. Long Island’s location makes it vulnerable to strong winds, especially during hurricane season. These winds can rip shingles off roofs, tear siding, and even cause structural damage.
Roofs are especially vulnerable due to their exposed location and large surface area. Storm winds with powerful uplifts can peel shingles off the roof’s surface. Once this happens, the wind batters the underlayment, and pounding rain can lead to water infiltration of the decking, causing extensive damage in a short amount of time.
Essential Pre-Season Preparation Tips
Preparation is key to minimizing hurricane damage. Research shows that well-maintained roofs are better at withstanding forceful hurricane winds, so checking your roof every hurricane season is not as critical as it would be if your roof was not maintained. However, hurricane wind and water damage can wreak havoc on your home, your possessions and your safety. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to give your roof, rafters and trusses a quick once-over, even if your roof has regular maintenance checks.
Critical Inspection Points
Before hurricane season begins, homeowners should focus on several key areas:
- Shingle Security: The biggest insured losses from hurricane wind damage are caused by asphalt shingle failure, so it’s important to make sure that your shingles are secured. If your roof is more than six years old, this is especially significant. In a recent study, researchers found that shingles that had been installed six or more years earlier became partially unsealed in hurricane-force winds, leaving them especially vulnerable.
- Structural Reinforcement: Homes with gable roofs are the most at risk for hurricane wind damage, so it’s particularly important to make sure that your gable roof’s trusses are anchored and braced correctly. All of the roof structure lies atop the trusses, so securing them is the first step to ensuring a stable roof.
- Drainage Systems: Your roof’s drainage system plays a critical role in storm protection. Gutters and downspouts collect rainwater and direct it away from your home, helping prevent roof damage, water intrusion, and foundation issues.
Professional vs. DIY Preparation
While some preparation can be done by homeowners, one of the best ways to ensure you’re ready for any storm that comes your way is by scheduling a professional roof inspection right before hurricane season begins. Choose a local contractor who understands Long Island’s specific weather challenges. Companies based in towns like Hempstead and East Hampton will have local expertise.
For Long Island homeowners seeking professional roofing services, skyluxe construction offers comprehensive roofing solutions throughout Suffolk County. SkyLuxe Construction is a Long Island-based residential construction company where family values and professional expertise converge to create exceptional home improvement experiences, specializing in roofing, siding, chimney, and gutter services.
Post-Storm Recovery: Immediate Actions
When a hurricane passes, immediate action is crucial. Before anything else, the most important thing to do after a hurricane is to stay safe. We’re going to focus on how to handle storm damage to your roof, but at all times, prioritize your own safety and the safety of those around you.
Safety-First Assessment
You should never step onto a heavily damaged roof. If you see visible sagging or other signs that your roof is structurally unsound, do not try to access it. Instead, walk your home’s perimeter outside. You can use binoculars or your camera’s zoom option to view your roof safely from the ground.
Documentation and Temporary Protection
Proper documentation is essential for insurance claims. The most common problems you’ll see after a storm are missing or bent shingles, warped flashing, and damage to your soffits or fascia. Make sure to note any damage and take multiple photos — you’ll need proof of the damage when you go to make your insurance claim. This is one of the most important things to do after a hurricane since your insurer will need proof that a storm caused the damage.
For immediate protection, if your roof has significant damage, use tarps to cover exposed areas temporarily. This will help prevent further water intrusion until permanent repairs can be made. The main thing you’ll want to have in this toolkit is a roof tarp. If a storm does happen to damage your roof, a tarp will protect your roof from further damage and keep your home dry from the elements. While you can’t put on a tarp in the middle of a hurricane, securing a tarp after the storm has passed can significantly reduce additional damage.
Professional Recovery Services
Professional intervention is often necessary for comprehensive recovery. The truth is that roofers are usually swamped with calls after a major storm. It can take time for us to help everyone, and in the meantime, it can do your roof a world of good to tarp over any missing or damaged shingles.
However, homeowners should be cautious of storm chasers. If you see a roofer going door to door after Hurricane Helen, this is a big red flag. We call these people storm chasers because they blow into town after a hurricane and start offering dirt-cheap roof repairs and replacements. Unfortunately, they can charge so little because they’re inexperienced, use shoddy materials, and often aren’t even real roofers. Storm chasers cause more problems than they solve, so stick with the local professionals.
Insurance and Financial Considerations
In many cases, homeowners insurance covers hurricane storm damage. Read up on your policy before storm season and extend coverage as needed if you live in a hurricane-prone region. In general, though, most standard homeowners policies cover at least some of the damage from a hurricane. If your roof has damage, it is best to work with a professional roofing contractor who can assist you with filing the claims and necessary documentation to obtain your homeowners insurance benefits.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies
Investing in preventative measures pays dividends over time. Set aside a yearly roof maintenance budget—about 1–2% of your home’s value. Preventative reinforcement pays off exponentially when compared to major post-storm repairs.
Consider upgrading to more resilient materials. Your choice of roofing materials can affect the amount and type of damage your home experiences during a weather event. Asphalt shingles designed for wind resistance can help minimize your risk of roof damage.
Conclusion
Hurricane season preparation and recovery require a comprehensive approach combining proactive maintenance, emergency planning, and professional expertise. Long Island residents have learned two things: storms are unpredictable, and remnants of hurricanes can be destructive. While we cannot stop tropical cyclones from occurring, we can take steps to prepare for them.
By working with experienced local contractors who understand Long Island’s unique challenges, homeowners can better protect their investments and ensure their families’ safety. Remember that roof repair after a hurricane is a critical task that requires prompt attention and expert care. By following proper steps, you can ensure your roof is repaired effectively and your home remains safe and protected. Remember, regular maintenance and preventative measures can go a long way in minimizing damage from future storms.