Hurricane Season: 5 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Protect Your Roof & Solar

Florida’s unpredictable Hurricane Season is here! 

Serving Florida since 2005, we know there are two types of Floridians:

1) those who ignore severe weather warnings, expecting a false alarm, and

2) those who will take every measure to be prepared for the worst – every time.

In this blog, Bison Roofing and Solar will meet these two types of Floridians in the middle and provide five simple things you can do to help protect your Roof and Solar this hurricane season.

Trim Back Your Trees

Taking the time to do some landscaping around your home before the next big storm can make a big difference. Trimming long or dead tree branches will help to prevent any unnecessary storm damage from fallen, broken tree limbs.

Secure All Connections 

Make sure everything on your roof is secured and straightened from your roof strap to the solar clamps.

Forbes explains: “Hurricane-force winds can pull buildings apart. Roof structures are particularly prone to being sent flying, a danger to everyone and everything around….” When it comes to your roof, “…a construction fastening system is a must. From tie-downs to lateral anchors, from hold-downs to embedded connectors….”

Additionally, IAT Insurance Group instructs: “To mitigate damage to [your solar equipment] and reduce wind drag, store and secure all tracking systems in a neutral position ahead of a storm. Adhere to the manufacturers’ recommendations to store and secure the modules.”

It might take some research, but make sure you know the best fastening system for your roof type and the manufacturers’ recommendations for securing your solar panels. This step can make all the difference.

Power Down

To mitigate electrical loss from grid disruptions, de-energize the facility before the storm hits.

IAT Insurance Group instructs: “Take it completely off the grid at the point of interconnect or in the switchyard. Then separate components by shutting off breakers at combiner boxes, trackers and inverters. This will help mitigate the effects of a single electrical loss, so it won’t negatively impact the entire facility.”

This step will help prevent the adverse effects of losing electricity. 

Inspect Your Gutters & Drainage

Checking your gutters and drainage system is a simple but critical step. Real damage can happen from leftover pooled water. Forbes warns: “Let’s face it, the water will want to go somewhere. If it’s not down and away, it’ll be in your roof and attic.”

Some people might need to realize the importance of this step. To put it into perspective, Forbes announced: “During a hurricane, water generally causes more damage than wind, and just one inch of water can cause $25,000 in damages, according to FEMA.”

Make sure your gutters and drainage systems have a clear path for water to flow away.

Remove Unsecured Objects From Your Property

You would be surprised at how powerful storm winds can be. When a storm is predicted, bring in your patio furniture and any other yard features that could be blown around in the strong winds.

Bringing these items inside will help to minimize damage caused by flying debris.

Hurricane Seasons Bonus Step: Work with Roof and Solar Experts 

Your roof is a significant component to the safety and success of your household; that’s why at Bison Roofing and Solar, we strive to offer enhanced peace of mind that our competitors cannot.

When it comes to your roof, whether repairing your existing roof, installing a new roof, or installing a new solar system, our team of expert installers are Fully Licensed and Insured; Bison Roofing and Solar holds the Florida Roofing Contracting License, and Florida Solar Contracting License – available upon request at any time.

We complete a detailed on-site evaluation of your roof and electrical system pre-proposal to eliminate any surprises later.

At Bison Roofing and Solar, we are proud of our strong referral business, which we attribute to not only our use of top-quality materials and trusted warranties but our firm commitment to our core business fundamentals and values.

For all of your roofing and solar needs, contact us today!