Hurricane season and tropical storms can be a challenging time for roofing companies. For roofers, this season brings both opportunity and responsibility.

Proper preparation is crucial to ensure that your business is ready to respond quickly and effectively when disaster strikes. In this guide, we’ll explore:

• Why you need to prep your business for hurricane season
• How to spot and handle hurricane roof damage
• How to work well with homeowners during this stressful time
• How software can help you serve more homeowners in the aftermath.

You can also download your hurricane season prep check list here! It gives you 10 things you can do in your Roofr account to get ready for storm season.

But first, let's look at what makes hurricanes different from other storms.

Overview of Hurricanes

What is a hurricane?

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone. It is a low-pressure system that forms over warm ocean waters, and is characterized as a rotating structure with sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour). Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speeds, using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:

• Category 1: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h)
• Category 2: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h)
• Category 3: 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h)
• Category 4: 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h)
• Category 5: 157 mph or higher (252 km/h or higher)

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 in the Atlantic. In the Pacific, it starts a bit earlier, and runs around Mid-May to November 30th. It is in this time period that most hurricanes form and impact coastal areas.

How hurricanes differ from other storms

Hurricanes differ from regular storms in several key ways.

Hurricanes are much larger and more powerful than typical thunderstorms or tornadoes. They can span hundreds of miles and affect entire regions, often causing catastrophic damage.

They can last for several days, even weeks. They slowly move across the ocean and then hit land.

One of the most dangerous aspects of hurricanes is the storm surge. A storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by the hurricane force winds pushing water toward the shore. This surge can cause severe flooding, particularly in coastal areas, and is often the deadliest component of a hurricane.

How hurricanes have changed over the years

Hurricanes have changed in several ways over the years, largely due to climate change and advancements in meteorological science:

1. Frequency and intensity: While there is still ongoing research and debate, many studies suggest that hurricanes are becoming more intense due to rising sea surface temperatures. Warmer oceans provide more energy for storms, leading to stronger hurricanes. Additionally, some research indicates that the frequency of the most intense hurricanes (Category 4 and 5) may be increasing.
2. Rainfall and Flooding: Hurricanes are producing more rainfall due to the increased moisture in the atmosphere, a direct consequence of global warming. This increase in rainfall can lead to more severe flooding, both from storm surges and from rain-swollen rivers.
3. Storm Path and Speed: There is evidence that hurricanes are moving more slowly, which can exacerbate flooding and prolong the impact on affected areas. Additionally, some studies suggest that the paths of hurricanes are shifting, with storms more frequently moving toward higher latitudes.
4. Improved Forecasting: Advances in technology and weather science have greatly improved our ability to predict hurricanes' paths and intensities. The National Weather Service is able to monitor and report on hurricanes much quicker, allowing for earlier preparation and response.

Preparing your business for tropical storms and hurricanes

As a roofer, being prepared for hurricane season is essential. Hurricanes can cause significant damage to roofs, leading to an influx of emergency calls and repair requests. If your business is unprepared, you could miss out on valuable opportunities or, worse, fail to provide adequate service to those in need. Preparing your business ensures that you can:

1. Respond quickly to emergencies: The faster you can respond, the more likely you are to secure contracts and build trust with clients. Remember that for homeowners, this is a time of crisis. You can be the difference to how much damage their home sustains.
2. Manage increased demand: Proper planning allows you to scale your operations to handle the surge in demand that typically follows a hurricane.
3. Protect your team and resources: Ensuring your team is ready and your equipment is secure minimizes risks and keeps your business operational.
4. Build a reputation for reliability: Being known as the go-to roofer during hurricane season can significantly boost your business.

How to spot hurricane roof damage

Not all roof damage is immediately visible after a hurricane. As a roofing professional, you need to be skilled in identifying the various signs of hurricane damage, including:

• Missing or loose shingles: High winds can easily lift and remove shingles, leaving the roof exposed.
• Water infiltration: Look for signs of leaks, such as water stains on ceilings or walls, which indicate compromised roofing materials.
• Debris impact: Fallen trees and branches can cause punctures or dents in the roof, which may lead to further damage if not addressed.
• Structural shifts: Hurricanes can cause the entire structure to shift or settle, leading to cracks and weaknesses in the roof.

What makes hurricane damage different

Hurricane damage is unique compared to other types of roof damage due to the combination of high winds, heavy rainfall, and flying debris. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Wind-driven rain: Unlike regular storms, hurricanes often involve rain that is driven horizontally by strong winds, allowing water to penetrate areas that would typically be protected.
• Powerful winds: Even without rain, hurricane winds can easily rip off shingles, blow debris into homes and roofs, and cause extensive damage.
• Widespread destruction: Hurricanes can affect entire communities, leading to a high volume of damage across a large area.
• Pressure fluctuations: The extreme changes in pressure during a hurricane can cause roofs to lift or collapse, a phenomenon not usually seen in other weather events.

Understanding these differences is crucial for accurately assessing damage and recommending appropriate repairs.

Prioritizing customers based on damage severity

In the aftermath of a hurricane, your business may be inundated with calls from homeowners in need of repairs. Prioritizing these requests is vital to managing your workload and ensuring that those most in need receive help first. Consider the following:

• Severity of damage: Attend to customers with the most severe damage first, especially those with exposed interiors or significant water damage.
• Safety concerns: Prioritize homes where damage poses an immediate safety risk, such as the potential for roof collapse or significant structural damage.
• Vulnerable populations: Give priority to homes with vulnerable residents, such as the elderly or families with young children.

Developing a prioritization system before hurricane season can help you manage these decisions more effectively when the time comes.

How to prep your team for hurricane season

Your team is your most valuable asset during hurricane season. Ensuring they are prepared involves several key steps:

• Training: Provide specific training on hurricane-related damage assessment and repair techniques. This should include how to handle emergency situations and manage high-stress environments.
• Safety protocols: Establish clear safety protocols for working in post-hurricane conditions, including the use of protective gear and safe practices for working on damaged roofs. Safety needs to be number 1.
• Communication plans: Develop a communication plan to keep your team informed and coordinated during the busy season. This could involve regular check-ins, assigning roles, and ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities.
• Homeowner management training: Homeowners will be experiencing potentially the most stressful moment of their lives. Emotions can be running very high. Be sure to be open with your team about how to handle emotional homeowners, and how they can reach you in extreme situations.

Prepping your team not only helps ensure their safety but also enhances your ability to provide efficient and effective service to your customers.

Tips for talking to homeowners after a hurricane

After a hurricane, homeowners may be stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed. As a roofing professional, your approach can make a significant difference in how they perceive your service. Here are some tips:

• Be empathetic: Acknowledge the homeowner's stress and offer reassurance that you are there to help.
• Provide clear information: Clearly explain the damage you’ve found, the necessary repairs, and the estimated costs. Don't beat around the bush. The clearer you can be, the better.
• Set realistic expectations: Be honest about timelines, especially if you are dealing with a high volume of requests. It’s better to under-promise and over-deliver.
• Offer assistance with homeowner insurance: Many homeowners may not be familiar with the claims process. Offering guidance can be a huge relief and build trust.

Effective communication is key to building strong relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction during a difficult time.

How software can help you help more homeowners after a storm

In the wake of a hurricane, managing the influx of repair requests can be overwhelming. This is where the right software can make a huge difference:

• Efficiency in estimates: Software that allows you to quickly generate accurate estimates can help you handle more jobs in less time. Satellite measurement software like Roofr can provide precise roof dimensions without requiring an on-site visit, saving time and resources.
• Project management: Use project management software or a CRM with a job board to keep track of multiple jobs, deadlines, and team assignments. This ensures that nothing falls through the cracks and that you can maintain high standards even under pressure.
• Customer relationship management (CRM): CRM software helps you manage communications with homeowners, keeping them informed at every step. It also allows you to follow up on leads and maintain relationships, which is crucial for repeat business and referrals.
• Payment processing: Simplify the payment process with software that offers secure, online payment options. This can speed up cash flow and reduce the administrative burden on your team.

Integrating these tools into your business can help you scale your operations and provide a higher level of service to homeowners in need.

Additional considerations for hurricane season

Beyond the essentials, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:

• Insurance coverage: Ensure that your business insurance is up to date and that it covers hurricane-related claims. This is vital for protecting your business in case of accidents or disputes.
• Marketing strategy: Consider ramping up your marketing efforts before and during hurricane season. Position your business as a trusted, reliable resource for homeowners who may be in need of roofing services.
• Community involvement: Engage with your local community to build goodwill and establish your business as a supportive, reliable presence. This could involve offering free inspections, participating in local disaster response efforts, or providing educational resources on hurricane preparedness.

These additional steps can help you build a resilient, successful roofing business that not only survives hurricane season but thrives.

Hurricane season: Prepare for what's to come

Preparing your roofing business for hurricane season is not just about being ready to respond to damage; it’s about positioning your business as a trusted, reliable partner for homeowners in need.

To handle hurricane damage, prepare your team and use the right tools. This will help you navigate the busy season well and build a good reputation for your business in the long run.

Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a storm or helping homeowners prepare in advance, being proactive is key to success in this demanding field.

Take the necessary steps now, and your business will be well-equipped to handle whatever hurricane season throws your way.

Free hurricane season prep check list

Use the button below to download a check list to help you prepare your Roofr account for hurricane season.