Timely Tips for Homeowners from the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers
Association
NEW YORK, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- With forecasters predicting another
active hurricane season, homeowners -- particularly those in coastal areas
-- are already worried about protecting the roofs over their heads. But
there's still time to prevent at least some of the damage high winds and
heavy rains can cause, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers
Association (ARMA).
"Small steps can be taken before the hurricane season really gets
underway to prevent unnecessary repairs and reduce the amount of wind
damage to the roofs of homes," says Russell Snyder, executive vice
president of ARMA. "The best protection a homeowner can have is to make
sure the roof is in sound condition and as weather-tight as possible."
Whether they live in hurricane-prone areas or not, ARMA recommends that
homeowners take the following precautions:
* Do preventive maintenance. Hire a roofing contractor or certified home
inspector to evaluate your roof and make repairs to flashing, caulking
and shingles, if necessary. Most leaks occur where roofs meet sidewalls
and around penetrations such as skylights, vent pipes and chimneys.
Missing or broken shingles can be individually replaced, and any loose
shingle tabs can be re-adhered with an application of asphalt roofing
cement.
* Choose roofing products rated for high wind protection. If your home
needs a new roof, don't put it off until after the storm season. The
cost of replacing a roof is only a fraction of the potential loss that
could result to a home's interior, furnishings and possessions. Asphalt
shingles are now rated according to wind zone protection. Be sure to use
a roofing product that meets or exceeds your area's wind zone
recommendations. Contact individual manufacturers for information on
newly classified asphalt shingles.
* Keep nature in check. Fallen tree branches or those that scrape against
a roof can cause significant damage. Cut back large branches extending
over roofs, and have a professional inspect your yard for trees that
should be removed altogether. Also, clean out gutters and roof valleys
clogged with leaves, branches or litter. Clogs can prevent water from
draining properly.
* Check for leaks now. Minor roof leaks that go unnoticed could become a
big problem when a major storm hits. To detect leaks, look for old
stains and water damage on interior walls and ceilings that indicate a
leak occurred. Also, take a flashlight into the attic during the next
rainstorm and check for active leaks on the underside of the roof deck
and rafters.
* Install hurricane straps and clips. These secure a roof to a home's
frame structure. While they are required on new construction, older
homes may not be reinforced. Look in your attic for metal bands or
plates connecting rafters or roof trusses to the tops of the walls. If
none are visible, consult a professional roofing contractor to ensure
proper retrofit installation.
"As we have seen over the past couple of years, properly installed and
fastened asphalt shingles, in most cases, can withstand the most powerful
storms," Snyder adds. "But even though they are proven to be effective and
durable in extreme weather conditions, there is no assurance that asphalt
shingles -- or any type of roof -- will outlast a hurricane event. By
following the ARMA recommendations, homeowners will know they have the best
protection they can afford, and will be prepared before a major weather
event occurs in order to limit the damage or, hopefully, avoid it
completely."
For more information about ARMA or to interview an ARMA roofing expert,
please contact Cara Clinton at (212) 297-2109 or visit
http://www.asphaltroofing.org.
About the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is the North
American trade association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of
bituminous- based residential and commercial fiberglass and organic asphalt
shingle roofing products, roll roofing, built-up (BUR) roofing systems, and
modified bitumen roofing systems.
SOURCE Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association
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Related links:
http://www.asphaltroofing.org
CONTACT:
Cara Clinton of Kellen Communications,
+1-212-297-2109, cclinton@kellenco.com
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