Be prepared - Isaac on track to impact

RoofConnect would like to remind you of things you can do now to prepare for damaging wind and rain.

Isaac Slowly Strengthening

"The eye of Isaac is evident on satellite and the National Hurricane Center is forecasting the storm to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday. The forecast track takes him over New Orleans Tuesday afternoon or evening."

Tropical Storm & Hurricane Preparedness: Are your roofs ready? Are you Ready?

Evaluate your roofs and prepare a plan of action before the next Tropical Storm or Hurricane mounts an assault.  Now a crucial time to evaluate your roofs and prepare a plan of action. 

Careful installation practices and annual maintenance can make a significant difference in a roof’s hurricane preparedness. Here are a few of the things you should check to make sure your properties are prepared to survive a hurricane.

TO DO...Now:

1. Schedule RoofConnect to perform your roof’s annual maintenance if you have not done so already.
2. RoofConnect will create a proper plan to meet specific needs at each site. 
3. Train your property management staff now – educating during a hurricane warning can be stressful.
4. Take photographs or video of your establishments inside and out, from all angles. This will help to substantiate insurance claims later.
5. Regularly clean drains, gutters and downspouts of your buildings.
6. RoofConnect can verify that all permanent rooftop equipment is secure.  - Improperly secured machinery causes membrane separation & leaks.
7. Determine and acquire emergency equipment and supplies to have on hand in the event of a storm (e.g., heavy plastic sheeting, tie-downs for sheeting and rooftop equipment, duct tape, masking tape, sandbags, emergency generator, storm shutters, large pieces of plywood, hand tools and other essential items).

TO DO...When a Hurricane Watch is Issued:

1. Check and secure equipment on rooftops – HVAC equipment, ventilation piping, exhaust fans and vents must be secured to the roof – these things can become missiles!
2. Remove loose objects, loose gravel and debris from the roof. 
3. Bring in display racks and other objects usually left outside. 
4. Remove antennas, outdoor signs, especially those that swing or are portable.
5. Close all doors and secure all windows. A RICOWI (Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues) study found that a surprising number of roof failures were due to doors and windows that had been left open or shattered.  When high speed winds entered buildings through these spaces, roofs can be compromised.

A helpful roof evaluation checklist can be found at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety's web site: http://disastersafety.org/hurricane/evaluating-the-roof/

As always, RoofConnect can help in an emergency…Before, during and after the storm:

• Safety is always first and foremost. 
• We will conduct a thorough roof inspection and adhere to the specific manufacturer requirements.  
• A proper plan is executed with you to meet specific needs at each site.  
• All federal and local guidelines must be followed to protect all personnel before entering the disaster zone and while on site. 
• Proper documentation is always provided at project close out.
• Our work and materials meet the standards of insurance coverage claims. 

To schedule an evaluation of your roof, call 24/7/365 877-942-5613 or visit http://www.roofconnect.com/request-a-roof-evaluation.html

RoofConnect, Liz Cleveland