67 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com beautiful homes • Secure or Replace Roof Vents. The professionals with SonShine Roofing of Sarasota, Florida, point to roof vents, turbines and exhaust fans as “weak points that can easily be torn off.” Like clogged gutters, loss of roof vents can expose large openings in the roof deck to water infiltration. • Secure Loose Home Items. Hurricane winds can cause everyday unsecured items, such as patio furniture, yard tools and toys, to become airborne projectiles that can damage your roof. • Emergency Roof Tarps. If your roof needs an overhaul but your budget won’t allow it, the professionals with Charleston Roofs + Windows in North Charleston advise using emergency tarps to act as a barrier between your roof and the elements. These heavy-duty tarps can withstand the harshest weather conditions and remain in place for extended periods until you can make permanent repairs. • Fortified Roofs. For a full roof replacement, the professionals with Fortenberry Roofing in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, suggest replacing it with a FORTIFIED Roofing System. Designed and tested to withstand hurricane-force winds and heavy rains, these roofs not only go beyond standard building codes, but many insurance companies also offer discounts for homeowners who choose the FORTIFIED option. “In addition, some mortgage lenders may require homeowners in flood-prone areas to carry flood insurance, and some insurance carriers may have special underwriting requirements regarding special roofs,” said Wise. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division reported at least 70 homes suffered major damage from Hurricane Debby in August 2024. Damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 was far worse, with 5,000 homes affected in 33 counties. But the next time around, your home doesn’t have to be one of them. “Homeowners should obtain multiple estimates prior to selecting a roofing contractor,” suggested Wise. “And the South Carolina Safe Home program, administered by SC DOI, provides matching and nonmatching grant funds to help coastal property owners retrofit their homes.” FAQs 5 Stars Roofing General Natalie DuBois answered the following frequently asked questions that she gets from customers. What are the most common roofing problems homeowners in our area face? “Combine Charleston’s salty sea air and strong southern sun with its propensity for storms that bring hurricane winds, hail, and heavy rainfall, and it’s no wonder Charleston roofs suffer from storm-related damage and wear and tear at an accelerated rate.” How has the roofing industry changed in recent years? “The roofing industry has been evolving in recent years to respond more readily to more severe weather and to take a more proactive approach to how homes are built or retrofitted to withstand storm-related damage. Building codes have also been updated, and new materials have been developed that lengthen the lifespan of roofs, providing added value and peace of mind for homeowners.” What trends are you seeing in materials or technology? “Programs like IBHS Fortified, in tandem with grant programs such as SC Safe Homes, are increasing in popularity, as homeowners are taking advantage of the incentives, technology, and certifications that will ensure their roofs are performing to their fullest potential and will provide optimal protection should severe weather hit.” What mistakes do homeowners often make when maintaining their roofs? “It’s not uncommon for storm damage, which is not always visible from the ground, to compound over time. Often, the first symptom homeowners are aware of is a leak, which means the problem has already progressed. It’s important to have your roof inspected by a professional following a weather event and for maintenance annually to ensure everything is sealed properly and that your home is protected from water intrusion.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1