Even if the driving rains and flying tree branches don’t make it to your roof, the high-speed winds and resulting roof damage definitely will. There’s no denying hurricanes aren’t to be taken lightly, whether you’re preparing for another historically violent storm or simply protecting your home from the inland aftermath. Especially in terms of your roof. Before a storm, you can reinforce your roof by nailing down loose shingles, applying roofing cement, reinforcing your flashing, and using hurricane clips or tie-downs. Before the big storm, make sure all your shingles are properly nailed down and that no weak ones are left in place. If your shingles have come loose or are no longer securely nailed, you should re-nail them or replace them with new ones. You can apply a line of roofing cement around the edge of a shingle if it is still in good condition and doesn’t need a new nail. Address much of your roof with the roofing cement to keep a firm grip on any shingle you mark. The flashing is what keeps the rain out, so in a hurricane, of course, you want to make sure it is in good condition and completely effective. The flashing can be identified as metal sheathing where a roof feature like a chimney, window, or vent intersects with the roof’s weatherproofing. During the next hurricane, if there are gaps in your flashing or it appears to be decaying, have your flashing repaired, reinforced, resealed, or replaced by a professional. Tie-downs, also known as hurricane clips, are available if you are concerned that your roof may not only suffer damage, but also fly away. They are strategically twisted metal sheets that connect to the roof beams and the wall tops, preventing the roof from being picked up by the overhang and flipped off.