MRA News: COVID-19 and brutal hurricane forecast have experts warning homeowners to prepare early

PORTLAND, Ore., May 7, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Baton down the hatches: The 2020 hurricane season, which officially starts June 1, has leading experts predicting above-normal probability for major hurricanes and storms making landfall in the U.S. Meteorologists from Colorado State University, one of the nation's top hurricane forecasters, predicts 16 tropical storms will form, of which eight will become hurricanes. In an average season, 12 tropical storms, six of which are hurricanes, are typical.

The dire predictions compound potential issues for homeowners already stressed and sheltering in place due to the coronavirus pandemic. Experts are urging homeowners to proactively line-up defenses and be ready for heightened storm activity, before the home improvement center and retailer rush that occurs when hurricane and tropical storm forecasts threaten your area.

It's also wise to prioritize home improvement projects now that will strengthen and better protect your home over the long run. Choosing stronger materials, making sure projects meet or exceed codes and standards, and investing in improvements designed to maximize performance and reliability can improve the chances of riding out storms unscathed. Also, once major storm activity hits, the demand for contractor services for repairs and replacements spikes, so being proactive early and taking preventative action now may prevent major headaches and long delay times down the line.

Case in point is the roofing industry. Spring is already a popular time for reroofing projects and experts say for hurricane-prone areas, working closely together with your contractor to select the most resilient options possible to best fortify your roof is a smart move. That includes choosing materials like metal roofing that can better withstand hail, driving rain and extreme winds including F-2 tornado force winds of up to 140 mph. Since roofs take the brunt of monster storms, an investment in a higher quality roof can help save homes from sustaining major damage and will hold up better over time.

"It's not uncommon to see images of neighborhoods that show mass destruction after a hurricane, and yet the homes that have been properly fortified are still standing," said Renee Ramey, Executive Director of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA). "We hear stories from homeowners all the time who credit their metal roof for literally saving their home during a monster storm. It all starts with making the right decisions and choosing more resilient materials and installation processes right from the get-go."

Other measures to take well in advance of the hurricane season:

    --  Be ready to protect openings: Permanent shutters are the best
        protection. If window replacement is in order this spring, consider
        impact resistant versions. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood
        panels. Use 1/2 inch marine plywood cut to fit each window. Remember to
        mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for
        screws. Especially with social distancing measures in place, get
        materials and work to complete this step long before the storm. Brace
        doors and jambs, including garage doors, or replace with those that meet
        current wind and impact resistant standards and codes.
    --  Survey your landscape: In hurricanes, any object can become a dangerous
        projectile. Trim branches away from the home and take down/dispose of
        loose limbs, remove weakened and dying trees, clear patios and yards of
        barbecues, heavy planter pots, furniture and other moveable objects.
    --  Re-evaluate improvement projects: Work with your contractor to determine
        the best and most protective materials and installation measures that
        you can afford to help improve your home's resiliency. Do your research
        and make sure codes, standards and quality materials meant to stand up
        to extreme conditions are being followed and used. For example, free
        resources such as the MRA Buyer's Guide can help homeowners make
        informed decisions.
    --  Get an independent evaluation: Getting a check-up from a certified
        building inspector or structural engineer can be a good investment. For
        the roof, check hurricane anchors and straps, make sure the appropriate
        number of attachments and fasteners have been used, that roof trusses
        have adequate bracing and panels are properly attached, and soffits,
        flashing and existing material are in good shape. There are many ways to
        work safely with home improvement experts while sheltering in place to
        ensure projects move forward without delay.
    --  Check your insurance coverage: Now is an ideal time to do an insurance
        check-up to make sure your home and car coverage are adequate.
    --  Stock up: Since shortages of various items are increasingly common these
        days, stock up early on items such as batteries, flashlights, a
        battery-operated radio, fully charged back up cell phone chargers, first
        aid kits, nonperishable food (don't forget pet food) and medicine.
        Consider designating a "safe room" in your home, stocking it with
        snacks, water, emergency kit supplies and bedding.
    --  Have a plan: Make sure family members know how to turn off gas,
        electricity and water. Disconnect propane at the tank. Have a plan for
        where to meet and how to communicate if family members get separated and
        cell coverage is unavailable. Consider how to protect and care for pets
        as part of the planning process. Know your emergency shelters and how to
        contact disaster information resources in your area. Create a written
        list of emergency contact information in case cell phones are
        unavailable or not working and keep with preparedness kit supplies.

About Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA)
Representing metal roofing manufacturers in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofs. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofs among homeowners, as well as to provide support for metal roofing businesses and contractors. For more information, visit MRA.

SOURCE Metal Roofing Alliance