It may be severe at times or have high winds, heavy rain, hail, and even snow. These can create much damage to your home, especially on the roof. You should tend to keeping your roof watertight and intact over your dwelling because of bad weather. We walk you through all the steps that help fortify your roof against potential damages in this guide.
Go through a Thorough Roof Inspection
Inspect your roof carefully before severe weather arrives. Wear and tear on your roof is evident in the following ways:
- Missing/Damaged Shingles: Replace missing shingles or ones that are cracked or curled.
- Loose/Damaged Flashing: Ensure that the flashing, particularly around chimneys, vents, or any skylights, is securely fastened to the roof and not damaged.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Tidy gutters and downspouts clean by raking out leaves and other material that can clog smooth water flow.
- Roof Valleys: Clean out any debris that may be collecting in the roof valleys and stopping water from running off freely.
Trim Overhanging Limbs
Tree branches that overhang on top of your roof are a major concern during a storm. Powerful wind and heavy snow can cause these branches to break off and fall onto your roof. Trimming these limbs will lessen the chances of impact damage.
Secure Loose Outdoor Items
Loose outdoor items — patio furniture, grills — and yard equipment — garden tools, trash cans — can become deadly, easily airborne missiles in strong winds, striking or puncturing your roof and walls with damaging force. Be sure to tie such items down or store them safely well ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Reinforce Roof Fastenings
Make sure all attachments to your roof, including satellite dishes and antennas, and solar panels are securely fastened. Loose attachments can become torn free in strong winds, and then take parts of the roof with them as they become airborne missiles.
Install Storm Shutters
If you live in a hurricane-prone or high-wind area, consider purchasing storm shutters for your windows. Storm shutters go over the windows to offer additional resistance to wind and flying debris that may tear through your roof or your home.
Check Attic Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation works to control temperatures and humidity, preventing ice dams in the winter and reducing heat damage in the summer. Be sure to provide adequate attic ventilation and make sure that vents are not obstructed or blocked.
Replacement of Roofing Materials
In case you are due for a roof replacement or major repairs, it is time to upgrade to more resilient roofing materials capable of withstanding intense weather. Impact-resistant shingles, metal roofing materials, and reinforcement of underlayment greatly help prevent extreme-weather forces.
Seal and Insulate Your Roof
Noticeable prevention of water infiltration and heat loss can be achieved by properly sealing and insulating the roofing. Check around the vents, chimneys, and skylights for seals, and ensure that your attic is well-insulated. Ice dams can thus be prevented from forming during winter, and chances of leaks are reduced when it rains heavily.
Make a Roof Maintenance Plan
Regular maintenance of the roof ensures that it stays in good condition to face the harshest weather. Enlist a maintenance plan to include:
- Spring and fall would be good times to perform the inspection after checking for any issues.
- Do a post-storm inspection, especially after harsh weather has passed through, for damage, and fix any issues as fast as possible.
- Use regular gutter cleaning to keep gutters free of leaves, allowing the water to flow and reducing the possibility of leaks.
Know the fine print in your insurance policy
Be sure to review what is covered by your current home-owners insurance policy on weather damage. Make sure you have the proper coverage, and know what steps a claimant must take to file a claim. Document the condition of your roof with photos, and also keep a record of all roof inspections and upkeep.
Severe weather preparation means your roof has to be ready to keep you and your home safe. You’ll want to do frequent assessments of your roof for the safety of both, plus several other steps to keep your roof in great form, keeping all loose objects secured, trimming overhanging branches, and making repairs as needed to reduce damage from wind and weather.
