Hurricane season can be a daunting and frightening time of year. It is important to take every action required to protect your home or office from all the troubles hurricanes can bring. One of the biggest perils many face in hurricanes is rainwater intrusion. Preventing the intrusion of rainwater can provide necessary protection of any building from the effects which can serve to be disastrous. Here are four proven ways to prevent rainwater during hurricane season:

1) Check For Leaks

The greatest tell-tale indicator of water intrusion is the existence of leaks. Leaks are often imperceptible and begin as a small pinhole or tear. However, as wood roots and materials deteriorate the leak can be come larger and in many cases intensify through this very process. If you notice any discolorations on your ceiling or sagging, it will likely be caused by the presence of a leak. Conduct an inspection of the roof and look for any punctures, penetrations, tears or chipping in the shingles. This is often where leaks originate.

2) Install Preventative Measures In Vents

The Florida Division of Emergency Management suggests the installation of various preventative measures in vents to assure repelling of intrusive water during hurricane events. “There are a plethora of vent options to select from” Ultimately, vents are designed to release exhaust and hot air in to the atmosphere and draw it away from any home or building. While vents serve as an excellent way to control the interior climate and even reduce energy costs, they leave any building vulnerable to water intrusion. As we have covered in additional articles, the attic is most susceptible to water infiltration, the results of this can be drastic. Water can easily infiltrate the structure of the building and thus lead to accelerated rotting in the framework that upholds the roof itself. It is important to take action and install the appropriate protective tools to reduce water intrusion in ventilation systems.

3) Ensure Gutters Are In Proper Working Order

In addition, we have covered the importance of ensuring gutters are in proper working order and how any home or business owner can ensure this. Gutters are a fundamental tool to aid in the drainage process and prevent flooding in to any building. When gutters are not functional working order, any premises is now vulnerable. Begin by assuring any gutter is fixed to fascia wood, failing to do so can lead to gutter failure during a hurricane event which can in turn lead to flooding. In hurricane events, rain can fall at rate of 3 to 5 inches per hour. Torrential downpours are best averted through gutters working at optimal rates. Be sure to check your gutters.

4) Age Of The Roof

According to Angie’s List, “Most experts agree that a typical roof will last between 20 and 25 years.” If your roof is in this age range it may be time for a new roof. We have stressed the importance in this many different articles, but the concept is universally applied. The National Roofing Contractors Association advise owners to check their roofs twice per year, both in the spring and fall. It is imperative to determine whether or not the roof was installed over another layer or several layers. Failing to check the age and quality of a roof can bear significant consequences. In addition to allowing copious streams of water to enter the upper levels of any edifice, the roof itself can be damaged as aging shingles can be easily removed from gale force wind gusts.