Damage to your roof from a storm, one of the most destructive forces on Earth, is likely. Knowing how to prepare your roof and shield it from damage during a storm is crucial if you live in a hurricane-prone location. Many individuals are unprepared for hurricanes, which may cause thousands of dollars in damage to their houses. Here are four tried-and-true methods for protecting your roof against the destructive power of storms:
Inspect Your Roof for Loose Nails or Shingles
Living in a hurricane-prone location (or having seen one firsthand) may be terrifying, and the devastation these storms can cause is frightening in and of itself. Although there are many things one may do to prepare for a hurricane, one should give special attention to preparing one’s own house, including having an evacuation plan and food, water, and medication stored up in case of a required evacuation. It is an especially susceptible area because of all the nails and shingles left out in the open on a roof. To prevent more damage to your home, you don’t need to climb onto the roof and do extensive repairs.
Instead, you can only take the necessary safety measures. Locating any nails or shingles that may have come away is the first order of business. Taking a stroll outside the home to check for debris that may have been blown away during the storm is a simple and effective way to accomplish this on your own. Now is an excellent opportunity to do any necessary roof repairs before a hurricane strikes; a few additional nails probably won’t damage your hurricane-resistant roof, but taking your time while working on something so crucial is vital.
Remove Any Dead Tree Branches or Limbs
The enormous trees that many of us have in our yards are at a higher risk of limb loss when we are elderly or have been hit by lightning than when we were younger. If you want to save your trees from being blown over by a storm, removing any dead or decaying limbs is in your best interest. You may hire a tree service if you live somewhere with one. They may also address any other security concerns you may have about your property while they are there.
If you don’t want to pay for that service or you want to save money on insurance, you may do it yourself by getting rid of these outposts. Using a pruner (or even a pair of sharp scissors), remove any branches less than six inches in diameter as a first step. Phase one has begun. Since even mild wind gusts have a fair likelihood of shattering such limbs, it is not necessary to trim further thinner than that.
Dead branches that extend over your roof’s borders are an eyesore and a safety threat. If they were to get dislodged during a storm, they could cause structural damage to your roof. If you want to avoid costly repairs down the road, make sure that branches like this one are cut down to the same level as the roof.
Waterproof Your Attic
If you reside in an area prone to storms, now is the time to start preparing for what is sure to be an extremely deadly occurrence since hurricane season has officially begun. Others don’t think they’re personally at risk during a storm, yet every year we hear accounts of whole families being swept away by flood waters. A hurricane may seem unlikely to hit your area, but history shows that they have and will again; the only issue is when.
If you want to prevent the destructive forces of nature from penetrating your home, you need to give special attention to safeguarding your roof. You can give your roof the best chance of surviving a storm by following the waterproofing steps listed below, and you can also help prevent bothersome leaks even when there are no storms in the forecast. Storm-related roof failure is the most common damage, and it may occur even if you have never had your shingles altered or repaired. You may be in danger of roof failure if you have never had your shingles replaced or repaired. Waterproofing is mainly accomplished using two types of roofs: lap roofs and flat roofs. Lap roofs, like the one on the left, are characterized by shingles overlapping. Most asphalt and aggregate products may be used to make a single shingle layer covering a flat roof (shown on the right).
Repair Any Leaks
The roof protects your house from the elements and is an essential structural component. It prevents the details from entering your home and wreaking havoc. However, even if your roof seems undamaged from the ground, you may be unaware of underlying issues with your roofing system.
Due to the absence of an overhang, homes with flat roofs are more vulnerable to severe damage from flying debris and strong winds during hurricanes. Leaks in your roof may also cause water damage inside your home. Before hurricane season, you should inspect your roof for any indications of damage to replace it as soon as possible. Whether you need clarification on whether there’s a problem with your roof, this article will go over several warning signs and what you can do to fix and protect it.
Here at Sowell Roofing, we provide comprehensive roofing services at competitive prices. Many neighbourhoods and businesses have benefited from our roof installation services. Under Tim Sowell’s direction, our team of experts has extensive knowledge in commercial and residential roofing. We have the knowledge, skill, and tools to keep your roof in good condition for years. Please get in touch with the Sowell Roofing crew for further details about our roofing installation services.