by Avery Timmons
Rosemont, Ill.—The National Roofing Contractors Association is urging building owners affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton to use caution during the inspection and restoration process of their roof systems in the hurricanes’ aftermath.
NRCA strongly recommends hiring a professional roofing contractor to inspect roofs as quickly as possible following hurricane damage. Homeowners and business owners should only perform a roof system inspection from ground level. The risk of falling is too great without proper safety systems in place.
NRCA also recommends inspection of all roofs, regardless of appearance, in the paths of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Professional roofing contractors are trained to identify roof damage that may not be obvious to a building owner. Roof inspections should include checking to be sure areas are tight and attachments still are secure, and looking for items such as shards of glass or tree branches that can severely damage a roof system. Windblown debris tends to accumulate and clog drains and downspouts, which can cause future drainage problems if not removed.
Building owners also should be aware of unprofessional contractors who may approach them about performing roof system repairs. If it is necessary to hire a roofing contractor, consumers should keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
For a list of criteria to consider when hiring a professional roofing contractor, click here.
To locate an NRCA professional roofing contractor, homeowners and business owners can visit NRCA’s website, nrca.net.
Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.