After a storm
- Stay safeDon't climb onto a damaged roof. Watch for loose sheets and downed power lines.
- DocumentPhotograph the damage inside and out before anything is moved. Your insurer will ask.
- Make safeWe cover openings and secure loose material to stop further water damage.
- AssessWe inspect the structure, not just the covering: rafters, purlins, straps and connections.
- RebuildPermanent replacement with the right fixings, straps and edge detailing.
What makes a roof hold
Roofs usually fail from the edges in. Wind gets under an overhang or a loose sheet and peels the roof back from there.
The fixes aren't glamorous: closer fastener spacing at edges and ridges, straps that tie the roof frame to the walls, and overhangs no longer than they need to be. Interlocking systems such as standing seam and decramastic tile add another layer of resistance.
Before the season: a roof checklist
Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. Book an inspection in the dry months before it starts, and check for:
- Loose or missing screws and worn washers.
- Sheets lifting at edges, ridges and overhangs.
- Missing or rusted hurricane straps where the roof meets the walls.
- Cracked or lifting flashing at walls and parapets.
- Blocked or loose gutters.
- Trees and branches overhanging the roof.
Case study: Island Routes
Storm damage gallery
Frequently asked questions
Can you come out right after a storm?
Call as soon as it's safe to. After a major storm demand is high, so we deal with making buildings safe first and then schedule permanent repairs.
Will you work with my insurance company?
We can provide the assessment, photos and itemised scope your insurer needs, and work through the documentation where needed.
Should I repair or replace after hurricane damage?
If the damage is limited to some sheets or one section and the structure underneath is sound, a repair may be enough. If the frame has shifted or large areas are gone, replacement is usually safer and better value. We'll show you what we find.
Do you work in western Jamaica?
Yes. Our post-hurricane work includes Island Routes in Montego Bay, and we work across St James and Trelawny.
How do I reach you?
Call 876-290-7151, Niko on 876-437-2851, or email dasilvaconstructionja@gmail.com.