As the 2024 hurricane season looms, homeowners in the Gulf Coast region must fortify their homes against potential storms. Better Built Contractors, a leading roofing expert in Denham Springs, LA, with their proven expertise and commitment to quality, provides indispensable advice on securing your property and safeguarding your loved ones during severe weather conditions.

Key Steps to Ensure Roof Readiness

Schedule a Thorough Roof Inspection

Before hurricane season kicks into high gear, ensuring your roof is in optimal condition is vital. A detailed inspection by professionals like Better Built Contractors can pinpoint areas of concern, such as:

• Loose or missing shingles

• Compromised flashing

• Signs of leaks or water damage

• Structural weaknesses

Gage Wilkinson, owner of Better Built Contractors, emphasizes, “A professional roof check is the first line of defense in hurricane preparedness. Many critical issues are not visible to the untrained eye.”

Maintain Your Roof Regularly

Extend the life and enhance the resilience of your roof against hurricanes with routine maintenance, which includes:

• Clearing gutters and downspouts to avoid water accumulation

• Trimming tree branches that could pose a risk to your roof

• Addressing minor damages immediately to prevent them from worsening

Wilkinson notes, “Consistent maintenance goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about nipping potential problems in the bud, especially before a storm.”

Fortify Your Roof Structure

Enhance your roof’s structural integrity to better withstand the extreme winds and heavy rainfall typical of hurricanes. Key upgrades include:

• Reinforcing Roof Decking: Utilizing hurricane straps or clips helps secure the roof to the building, significantly boosting its stability against uplift forces.

• Upgrading to Impact-Resistant Shingles: These shingles are designed to resist high winds and debris impacts, offering superior durability and long-term savings on repairs.

“Investing in impact-resistant shingles and proper reinforcement can make a remarkable difference during storms,” Wilkinson advises.

Prepare for the Hurricane Season

Develop an Effective Emergency Plan

An actionable and clear emergency plan is your best bet for safety during a hurricane. Ensure your plan includes the following:

• Emergency contact numbers

• Planned evacuation routes and shelter information

• A list of essential items such as food, water, medications, and crucial documents

“A well-prepared plan can significantly reduce panic and save lives when a storm hits,” says Wilkinson. He advises Baton Rouge residents to follow Red Stick Ready on Facebook to stay updated with hurricane information.

Secure Your Property

Before the storm arrives, make sure to secure or store items that could become hazardous projectiles, including:

• Outdoor furniture

• Gardening tools

• Exterior decorations

Wilkinson warns, “It’s crucial to anchor down or put away any loose objects in your yard to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds.”

Choosing a Reliable Roofing Contractor

Selecting an experienced and trustworthy roofing contractor is essential for effective hurricane preparation. Here’s why Better Built Contractors is your ideal choice:

• Proven Expertise: With extensive experience in the roofing industry, our team is proficient in the latest hurricane-resistant roofing techniques.

• Commitment to Quality: We are dedicated to using only the highest-quality materials and methods, ensuring your roof is robust enough to withstand the harshest weather.

“Experience and quality are the cornerstones of reliable roofing services, especially when preparing for hurricanes,” states Wilkinson.

Post-Hurricane Actions and Community Support

Reflecting on the solidarity shown during past hurricane recoveries, such as after Hurricane Ida, Wilkinson remarks, “Our community’s strength shines brightest when we come together to rebuild. At Better Built Contractors, we’re not just fixing roofs; we’re restoring homes and hearts.”

Ensure Regular Roof Inspections

Keep your roof in prime condition with regular inspections, ideally annually or following significant storms.

“Consistent inspections help identify potential issues early, saving you from costly future repairs,” Wilkinson points out.

Call to Action

Don’t wait for the hurricane to remind you about your roof’s needs. Contact Better Built Contractors today for a free hurricane-readiness inspection. Ensure your home is prepared to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws its way.

For further information and expert assistance, visit Better Built Contractors. Let Better Built help you stay safe and prepared this hurricane season.

By taking proactive steps now and working with seasoned professionals, you’ll ensure your home remains secure and resilient through the hurricane season and beyond.