Hurricane season affects Arkansas more than many people realize. Even though we're not on the coast, hurricanes can bring dangerous winds and heavy rain to our area. Your roof is your home's first defense against these storms.

At Speedy Gonzalez Roofing, we help Arkansas homeowners prepare for hurricane season. We know what these storms can do to roofs. We also know how to help you get ready.

Arkansas may be inland, but we still feel hurricane effects. These storms can travel hundreds of miles from the coast. They bring several dangers to our roofs:

High Winds: Hurricane winds can reach 75 mph or more, even inland. These winds can lift shingles, damage gutters, and break tree branches that fall on roofs.

Heavy Rain: Hurricanes dump massive amounts of rain in short periods. This can overwhelm gutters and find its way into any weak spots in your roof.

Flying Debris: Strong winds turn normal objects into dangerous projectiles. Tree branches, lawn furniture, and even neighbor's loose items can damage your roof.

Rapid Weather Changes: Hurricane conditions can change quickly. You might have little warning before dangerous weather hits your area.

The best time to prepare for hurricanes is before they threaten Arkansas. Here's what every homeowner should do:

Schedule a Professional Inspection: Have your roof inspected in spring or early summer. We can find and fix problems before they become disasters during storms.

Check Your Shingles: Look for loose, cracked, or missing shingles. These weak spots can let water in or get worse during high winds.

Clean Your Gutters: Clogged gutters can't handle heavy hurricane rains. Clean gutters prevent water backup that can damage your roof and home.

Trim Tree Branches: Cut back any branches that hang over your roof. These can break off and cause major damage during storms.

Secure Loose Items: Remove or secure anything on your roof that could blow off, like antennas, decorations, or loose flashing.

Some roof problems aren't obvious from the ground. Watch for these warning signs:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Shingles in your yard after windy weather
• Granules from shingles collecting in gutters
• Sagging areas on your roof
• Damaged or missing flashing around vents and chimneys

If you notice any of these signs, call us before hurricane season gets serious. Early repairs are much easier and cheaper than emergency fixes during storms.

Not all roofs handle hurricanes the same way. Some features make roofs much stronger in severe weather:

Proper Installation: Roofs installed to current building codes can handle much stronger winds. Older roofs may need upgrades to meet today's standards.

Quality Materials: Impact-resistant shingles and strong underlayment help roofs survive flying debris and high winds.

Secure Fastening: Properly fastened shingles stay attached during high winds. Poor installation can fail when you need it most.

Good Drainage: Roofs that shed water quickly are less likely to leak during heavy hurricane rains.

When hurricane warnings are issued for Arkansas, there are still things you can do:

Bring in Loose Items: Secure or bring inside anything that could become flying debris - patio furniture, decorations, trash cans.

Check Emergency Supplies: Make sure you have tarps, flashlights, and our contact information easily accessible.

Document Your Roof: Take photos of your roof before the storm. This helps with insurance claims if damage occurs.

Stay Safe: Never go on your roof during a storm. Wait until conditions are completely safe before assessing any damage.

If a hurricane damages your roof, quick action is important:

Safety First: Don't enter damaged areas until you're sure they're safe. Watch for loose power lines and structural damage.

Temporary Protection: If there are holes in your roof, carefully install tarps from inside the attic if possible. This prevents further water damage.

Document Everything: Take photos of all damage for insurance purposes. Include close-up shots and wide views showing the extent of damage.

Call Professionals: Contact us as soon as it's safe to do so. We provide emergency response to prevent further damage while working on permanent repairs.

Most homeowner's insurance covers sudden hurricane damage, but you need to understand your coverage:

Know Your Deductible: Hurricane damage often has a separate, higher deductible than regular claims.

Understand What's Covered: Sudden storm damage is usually covered, but wear and tear or poor maintenance isn't.

File Claims Quickly: Report damage as soon as possible after the storm. Insurance companies get busy after major events.

Work with Professionals: We help document damage and work with insurance adjusters to ensure you get fair settlements.

Local roofing companies like ours understand Arkansas hurricane risks better than national chains:

We Know Local Weather: We understand how hurricanes affect our specific area and what preparation works best here.

Quick Response: When storms threaten, we're here in the community. We can respond quickly to help with preparation or emergency repairs.

Established Relationships: We work with local insurance companies and understand their requirements for claims and repairs.

Community Investment: We live and work here too. Your community's recovery is our recovery.

Don't wait until hurricane warnings are issued to think about your roof. Preparation time is limited once storms threaten Arkansas.

Call Speedy Gonzalez Roofing today at 501-701-8766 for a hurricane preparedness inspection. We'll check your roof's condition and help you get ready for whatever hurricane season brings.

From our Hot Springs headquarters, we serve Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, Malvern, and Benton. When hurricane season threatens Arkansas, we're ready to help protect your home and family.

Your roof is your first line of defense against hurricanes. Make sure it's ready to protect what matters most to you.