Two weeks ago, I wrote a column for our e-newsletter about how it had been 11 years since Florida had been hit by a hurricane. There was a tropical depression in the Gulf, but it was not expected to do much. Well, that storm gained strength, and we all know what happened on Labor Day Weekend. Hurricane Hermine gave Florida that long-overdue storm and Tallahassee had its first direct hit since Kate in 1985. More than 70,000 people found themselves without power, with trees and powerlines down everywhere.
Thanks to the hard work of our first responders and utility workers, it was safe to travel around fairly quickly and most homes in Leon County had power (and internet) restored within three or four days. But it was a crazy time for roofing companies and tree services as we all worked overtime to ensure the safety of residents and secure homes from further damage.
We have some outstanding tree services in the Tallahassee area, and I greatly appreciate their professionalism and cooperative spirit as we work together in emergencies to ensure the safety of those with damaged homes.
We had the privilege to help past customers and gain some new customers through the storm and its aftermath. While we would much rather start a roofing relationship with a homeowner through a project that is planned, we are humbled that so many have trusted us in their time of need as well.
So to those we have helped and have scheduled repairs in the near future, thank you. We are grateful to help make your home whole again.
Now, to those who escaped damage, but have an older roof or a roof that is in need of repair, use Hurricane Hermine as a reminder that next time it might be you. A tree does not have to fall on your house for a storm to cause significant damage. Loose or worn shingles are more likely to leak or blow off completely. Those same gusts that blew pine trees into living rooms can blow an old roof right off the top of your house.
Now is the time to get someone out to inspect your roof and identify any problems before the rough weather returns. You also need to look at any siding problems, untrimmed trees, etc. that will make your home more vulnerable to storm damage – as soon as possible.
It may very well be another 11 years before our next hurricane, but I certainly wouldn’t count on it.
Of course, if you have any questions about the readiness of your roof, we would be happy to take a look. Call us at 855-964-7663.
