In anticipation of another potentially devastating hurricane season, the Tile Roofing Institute (TRI) (tileroofing.org) is offering homeowners tips to help them protect homes from hurricane damage. TRI is issuing these tips in response to many meteorological experts' predictions that the imminent 2006 hurricane season will either equal or surpass the previous two years' in both number and strength of storms.

Hurricanes are among nature's most devastating natural disasters, posing both wind and flood damage potential, but homeowners can take steps to reduce the chance of major property damage and injury to family members. Ideal protection for a home prevents wind from damaging the home in a way that allows water to enter.

Before the storm
* Ensure windows and doors can be securely fastened against wind. High winds create a push/pull action within a home, almost doubling a roof's stress load. Storm shutters add an extra layer of protection.

• Remove as many exterior features as possible, including television satellite dishes, antennas and roof turbines for ventilation systems, and cover the holes. High winds can tear these objects out, leaving holes where rain can enter.
  
  
• Visually inspect the roof for damaged or loose materials and seals around flashings, vent pipes and chimneys.
  
  
• To be prepared for next year's hurricane season, consider installing a tile roof. In addition to its pleasing aesthetics, tile roofing is one of a few select roofing products proven, when properly installed, to withstand sustained winds up to 150 miles per hour, and can last up to 100 years.
  
  After the storm
  
  
• After the hurricane has passed, there may still be safety issues with the roof. First and foremost, TRI recommends that homeowners leave the evaluation of roof damage to a trained professional; however, homeowners can conduct a simple inspection.
  
  
• Homeowners should avoid getting on the roof unless certain there are no potential hazards - tree limbs, structural damage or downed power lines - awaiting them. If necessary to get on the roof, it's a good idea to wear rubber boots or shoes.
  
  
• If roof damage is visible, call your roofer and insurance agent. If you have major damage, use tarps secured with rope to cover it as soon as possible. This will help prevent water from the heavy rains after the hurricane from damaging the home. Calling FEMA is also an important step to take.
  
  
• From inside the house, inspect the attic for leaks, cracked supports or other signs of damage; take pictures if possible for insurance documentation.
  
  
• When contracting for roof repairs, hire a licensed, insured professional roofer. If your roof needs major repairs or needs to be replaced, ask him about the advantages of tile roofing, which include being safer and longer lasting than other roofing materials and available in styles to match any preference.
  
  

Tile's durability has been clearly demonstrated by how well it has withstood the test of time, weather and natural disasters. Today's tile roofing is better than ever: stronger, more energy-efficient, Class A Fire rated, able to withstand high winds, hail and earthquakes better than any other roofing material. Along with beauty, tile can insulate and add safety to any home or building, assuring long-term value.