Prepare Your Commercial Building for Hurricane Season

From the old and historic to the ultra-modern, Florida’s commercial buildings are a diverse mix of architecture, construction, and needs. When the skies turn dark, it is important that you prepare your building to be safe and functional. As a trusted commercial roofing contractor, we have compiled this list of key steps to keep your commercial building safe and functional during hurricane season.

Routine Roof Maintenance

As one of the largest structures on your property, your commercial roof plays an important role in protecting your business during severe weather conditions. Roofs can often withstand high winds by themselves, but the increased loading that occurs on the building itself is what can stress the system and create damage. To prepare for hurricane season and strong storms, you should ensure that your commercial roof is in proper working order and is constantly maintained by a licensed roofing contractor. During peak hurricane season, we always recommend that you schedule an inspection for any small damages you may discover, if you have had any recent tenant improvement projects, or if your roof is nearing the end of its serviceable life.

Learn more about our industry-leading Roof Sheild Preventative Maintenance Programs

Gutters and Drainage

Your building’s gutters and drainage systems play a pivotal role in keeping your property dry and safe during heavy rainfalls. It is important to ensure that your gutters are clear of any debris and are draining properly. If you live in an area prone to flooding, we also recommend that you install check valves in your drains to prevent floodwater from entering your building.

Trim Trees and Branches near Building

Limbs and branches from trees become flying projectiles during storms. During hurricane season, it is important to trim any trees or branches that are within close proximity to your building. This will help to prevent any debris from causing damage to your roof and other areas of your property.

Secure Outdoor Furniture and Equipment

In addition to trimming trees and branches, you should also secure any outdoor furniture or equipment that could become airborne during a hurricane. This includes items like outdoor furniture, stored materials, and propane tanks. Any loose items should be brought inside or stored in a secure location.

Backup Power

If your business experiences a power outage, it is important to have a backup plan in place. This could include a generator, solar power, or even a backup battery system. Having a backup power source will ensure that your business can continue to operate even if the power is out for an extended period of time.

After Storm Plan

Once the storm has passed, it is important to have a plan in place for communicating with your team and assessing any damage that occurred. After a strong storm, power and communication may be interrupted. Therefore, it is important to have this plan set up before the storm hits. Items in your plan should include having a list of emergency vendors (such as RAMCON Roofing) that you can call to assist with repairs, as well as a plan for communicating with employees, customers, and other stakeholders.

Although the doldrums of summer can make it feel like hurricane season is a long way off, now is the time to start preparing your commercial building. By following these simple steps, while not inclusive of all preparedness steps needed, you can help to ensure that your property is ready for whatever Mother Nature may throw your way. Hiring a qualified commercial roofing contractor, like RAMCON, is the first and most important step you can take to prepare your property for hurricane season. RAMCON can help you to assess the condition of your roof and complete any necessary repairs or maintenance. We also offer a variety of products and services to help protect your property, including roof and gutter cleaning, routine inspections and maintenance, and after-storm response. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you prepare your commercial building for hurricane season.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office. We are always happy to help!

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