Are You Ready for Harvey?

The LSU AgCenter has experts and resources to get Louisiana residents ready for the next storm.

AgCenter housing specialist Claudette Reichel said hurricane prep projects start with the letter S. “Think shingles, soffits, seals, shutters and surroundings,” Reichel said.

Homeowners looking to replace a roof have hurricane-hardy options. But if a replacement isn’t in the plans, Reichel said, homeowners can strengthen existing shingles with roofing cement.

“Put some dabs under the first course of shingles and along the gable ends where it is most vulnerable,” she said. Roof damage is the biggest homeowners insurance claim following a hurricane.

Reichel also recommended securing soffits with polyurethane sealant and stainless steel screws. “Soffits are less likely to get blown around and allow wind-driven rain into your attic and cause major damage,” she said.

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