Your roof is the first line of defense of your home to the elements and more so when it is in the midst of a very severe storm. Strong winds, torrential rain, hail and flying debris can all result in severe roof damages that can result in high costs of repair or complete replacement. Luckily, when the storms strike, you have the chance of saving your roof and preventing any damage when it is well prepared and maintained.
We will discuss the steps that any homeowner should undertake to stormproof their roofs below.
Why Roof Protection Matters
The damage of the roof is not inevitable, and storms are not predictable. Wind and hail are considered to be one of the most frequent claims by homeowners on their insurance policies in the U.S. It is estimated that repairing or replacing a damaged roof may cost thousands of dollars before considering the damage to your water or the growth of mold in your house.
It is possible to save money, avoid leaks and decrease the length of your roofing system by taking proactive measures to reinforce your roof.
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
Schedule Seasonal Roof Inspections
Examining your roof is always good before and after the significant storm seasons which are usually during spring and fall. Check to see whether shingles are missing, cracks, broken flashing, and whether it is sagging. Small problems can be avoided by identifying them early enough before they become major problems following a storm.
Hire a Professional Roofer
Although it is possible to see visible damage with the naked eye when you are on the ground, a professional roof inspection is more comprehensive. The certified roofers will be able to detect the weak spots, loose shingles, or soft spots that might collapse during the strong winds. Already, a lot of roofing companies provide free or cheap inspections.
Trim Trees and Remove Overhanging Branches
During the storms, overhanging branches are very dangerous to your roof. Powerful wind may make the limbs break and fall through the shingles or the gutters.
What You Can Do:
- Prune off overhanging branches that reach within 10 feet of your roof.
- Eliminate dead or dying trees because they tend to fall in case of heavy winds.
- Use the services of a professional arborist when dealing with large trees or near power lines.
Maintaining tree trim also helps avoid the damage of roofs, as well as decreasing the amount of clogged gutters due to falling leaves and debris.
Clean and Maintain Gutters and Downspouts
Blocked gutters will lead to water stagnation behind the shingles and will leak into your house during the downpour.
Storm Preparation Tips:
- Clean gutters at least once in a year, particularly before storm season.
- Check downspouts so that they do not flow against the foundation of your house.
- Install the gutter guards in order to avoid accumulation of debris.
Well maintained gutters enable the free flow of rain water thus minimizing chances of water leaks and damages.
Reinforce Your Roofing Materials
Storms are dealt with differently using different roofing materials. Asphalt shingles, metal and tiles have advantages and disadvantages, yet they all could be improved by reinforcement.
Strengthen Asphalt Shingle Roofs
- Oppose loose or missing shingles immediately.
- Fix edges and corners with roofing cement or adhesive.
Impact-resistant shingles (Class 4) should also be taken into consideration in case you reside in the localities with a high probability of hail or a severe wind.
Reinforce Metal Roofs
- Check fasteners or seams and tighten when necessary.
- Use sealant to avoid intrusion of water.
- Flash checks and sign ridges of rust or corrosion.
Protect Tile or Slate Roofs
- Fix broken tiles as soon as possible.
- Fasten loose tiles using roofing clips or adhesive foam.
- Such improvements can go a long way in situations where there has been a massive wind or hail in your neighborhood.
Check Roof Flashing and Seals
Flashing the metal strips that are used around vents, chimneys, and skylights ensure that the water does not creep into the weak sections of your roof.
Maintenance Tips:
- Check flashing regularly to see whether there are rust, cracks or gaps.
- Seal chimneys, skylights, and vents with roof sealant or caulk.
- Repair broken flashing as soon as possible.
A little leak in flashing can result in serious damage of water in a storm.
Secure Loose Items Around Your Home
Whenever there is a storm, anything that is left outside can be a flying menace that breaks your roof.
Before a Storm Hits:
- Keep store patio furniture, grills, and garden tools in a shed or garage.
- Tie trash cans and decorations using bungee cords or anchors.
- Make sure that your satellite dishes or antennas on the roof are well secured.
The wind can blow away some debris that may dent or tear your roof, which can be avoided by a few minutes of planning.
Improve Attic Ventilation and Insulation
Adequate ventilation can also be used to control the temperature and moisture in the attic – both of which may influence the performance of your roof in case of a storm.
Why It Matters:
- Proper ventilation eliminates the accumulation of moisture that may destroy roof decking.
- Insulation will minimize the heat loss and eliminate ice dams during winter storms.
- After heavy rain or snow, check your attic and see whether there are any leaks in your house.
A healthy attic will assist in increasing the life of the roof and that of weather extremes.
Install Storm Straps or Roof Tie-Downs
Roof straps or tie-downs provide the added protection of homeowners in hurricane-prone regions.
How They Work:
These are metal links that connect your roof with the walls of your home, to ensure it does not blow off when there is a strong wind. They are now being required in many building codes in coastal states such as Florida or Texas, on new homes – but older houses can be refitted to provide added protection.
Discuss this upgrade with a licensed roofing contractor or structural engineer to learn whether it is appropriate to your location.
Check Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Despite the most adequate preparation, serious storms are capable of causing harm. This is the reason why it is important to check your insurance cover before the disaster hits.
What to Look For:
Wind and hail: These perils should be covered.
Deductibles: Know how much you will pay out-of-pocket.
Exclusions: Certain policies do not cover flood or hurricane damage, and they have to be covered separately.
Note down pictures of your roof and receipts of any maintenance done in your roof- this will be used in future insurance claims.
Create a Roof Maintenance Schedule
The consistency is one of the factors to maintain your roof in the best condition.
Prepare a checklist, which consists of:
- Seasonal inspections
- Gutter cleaning
- Tree trimming
- Flashing and seal checks.
You can as well make phone reminders or calendar reminders. Properly maintained roofs are strong throughout the year and can withstand any storm.