Hurricane Season 2025: Preparing Your Commercial Building for Peak Storms

Why Preparation Is Critical for Commercial Properties

Hurricanes and tropical storms bring multiple hazards: intense winds, torrential rainfall, and potentially storm surge flooding. High winds can rip away roof coverings and compromise structural connections, while debris turned into projectiles can puncture roofing and walls. Heavy rain can exploit any weakness in your building’s roof or drainage system – clogged gutters or drains, for example, may lead to interior water damage or even roof collapse from ponding water. As NOAA’s Acting Administrator recently emphasized, now is the time to prepare before storms strike – “a call to action to prepare now, in advance, rather than delay until a warning is issued”. Proactive preparation can greatly reduce storm damage, safeguard your tenants and assets, and minimize downtime for your operations.

Proactive Steps to Storm-Proof Your Building

Building owners and property managers can take practical measures ahead of time to fortify their properties. Here are key hurricane preparedness steps to implement before the next storm arrives:

• Schedule a Roof Inspection & Maintenance: Your commercial roof is your first line of defense against storms. Ensure it’s in top condition before a hurricane hits. Even a well-built roof can develop vulnerabilities over time, so have a licensed roofing contractor inspect for any loose flashing, membrane tears, or aging sections that need repair. Industry experts recommend getting a professional roof inspection during peak hurricane season, especially if your roof has any known issues or is nearing end-of-life. Addressing small problems now helps prevent major failures when high winds and rain arrive. Consider enrolling in a preventive maintenance program (like RAMCON’s Roof Shield plan) to keep your roof storm-ready year-round. This proactive approach isn’t just smart – it’s essential to avoiding premature roof failure and costly surprises.

• Clear Gutters and Drains: Proper roof drainage is critical during torrential downpours. Clogged gutters or drains can lead to water pooling on your rooftop, adding weight and causing leaks or structural strain. Before storm season (and regularly throughout it), clear out leaves, debris, and ensure downspouts flow freely. This simple step helps your roof shed water as intended, reducing the risk of interior water damage. (If your building is in a flood-prone area, also consider backflow prevention valves on drains to keep floodwater out.) Maintaining clear gutters and scuppers will keep heavy rainfall from becoming an expensive problem.

• Trim Trees and Secure Loose Items: High winds can turn nearby objects into dangerous projectiles. Trim any overhanging tree limbs or dead branches near your building well before a storm. This will prevent heavy branches from crashing onto your roof or smashing windows during extreme winds. It’s equally important to secure outdoor equipment and loose materials around your property. Outdoor furniture, trash bins, tools, and rooftop HVAC equipment should be anchored or brought inside. Anything that isn’t fixed in place could become airborne in a hurricane. Taking time to clear your roof and yard of loose items now will help ensure they don’t become flying debris later.

• Fortify Your Roof and Structure: If you are able to make structural upgrades, reinforcing your roof’s attachment can dramatically improve storm resilience. Installing hurricane straps or clips to firmly tie your roof structure to the building frame is highly recommended (modern building codes often require these). Likewise, ensure roof-mounted units (vents, satellite dishes, solar panels, etc.) are securely bolted down. Check that doors and roll-up shutters close and latch properly, and consider installing impact-rated window protection if you haven’t already. These reinforcements help your building withstand the extreme forces of a windstorm. While some upgrades may require investment, they significantly reduce the chance of catastrophic roof failure when a major hurricane strikes.

• Test Backup Power Systems: Storms often bring extended power outages. For commercial facilities, loss of power can be more than an inconvenience – it can disrupt critical systems like lighting, security, elevators, or refrigeration. Prepare by testing any backup generators or uninterruptible power supplies you have on-site. If you don’t yet have a generator, consider acquiring one or arranging for backup power capabilities. Also, top off fuel and service your generator before the storm. This ensures that if the grid goes down, you can keep essential systems running and protect your property (for example, sump pumps to prevent basement flooding, or HVAC to avoid mold growth in the aftermath). Don’t forget to secure enough fuel and have a safe operating plan for your generator. Keeping the lights on amid a blackout can significantly speed up your post-storm recovery.

• Plan for Post-Storm Response: Lastly, have a clear after-storm game plan. Once a hurricane passes, you’ll need to assess damage and make quick decisions to protect your building. Before any storm arrives, create a checklist for post-storm actions: identify who will check the roof and property for damage, how you will communicate with your team if phones/internet are down, and which contractors to call for emergency repairs. It’s wise to establish a relationship with an emergency roofing provider in advance – have their 24/7 contact info handy so you’re not scrambling after the fact. (Many companies, like RAMCON, offer priority response for clients who have preparedness plans in place.) By lining up your trusted vendors and internal response team ahead of time, you can jump into action immediately after a storm, mitigating further damage and downtime.

RAMCON Is Here 24/7 – Your Partner in Hurricane Readiness

At RAMCON, we understand the immense challenges that hurricane season poses for Florida building owners and property managers. That’s why we stand ready around the clock – your roofing problems don’t wait for normal business hours, and neither do we. With RAMCON, you have access to 24/7 emergency response services performed by our highly trained, uniformed professionals. If a storm damages your roof or causes a leak, you can call us any time, day or night, and a rapid-response RAMCON crew will be on the way to safeguard your building.

Equally important is our focus on prevention. Through our Roof Shield Proactive Maintenance plans, we help clients fortify their roofs before disaster strikes. Regular inspections, routine maintenance, and early repairs can dramatically increase your roof’s hurricane resilience and extend its service life. (In fact, proactive maintenance is often essential for keeping your warranty valid and avoiding premature roof failure.) By addressing wear-and-tear and strengthening vulnerable areas now, you’ll have far greater peace of mind when the next storm is in the forecast.

Don’t wait until a hurricane is bearing down to take action. There’s still time this season to protect your commercial property and prevent costly damage. As NOAA’s latest outlook warns, we should all treat this active season as a call to arms to get prepared. RAMCON is here to help you do exactly that.

Call us today or reach out online to schedule a professional roof inspection, discuss a preventative maintenance plan, or arrange a free consultation on storm-hardening your facility. Our experts will gladly assess your roof’s condition and recommend cost-effective ways to strengthen it against hurricanes. And if you ever do experience an emergency, remember that our 24/7 Emergency Response team is just a phone call away.

Hurricane season can be unpredictable and unforgiving – but with preparation and the right partners in place, you can weather any storm. Now is the time to act. By implementing the steps above and leveraging RAMCON’s support, you’ll ensure your building is as ready as possible for whatever Mother Nature may throw your way. Stay safe this hurricane season, and let us know how we can assist in protecting your property. Together, we’ve got you covered.