The most alarming storm of the year is headed your way. You bought candles just in case the power goes out and even brought in your patio furniture to keep them from flying away during gusty winds. Everything on your storm preparation list is checked off, and you're ready to go.
It seems as though you thought of everything, right? What if I told you that you may have forgotten something crucial? Don't worry; you’ve landed in the right spot.
Did you know that your roof is the most essential element of your home to consider when harsh weather is on the horizon? Think about it- it's the barrier between you and everything on the outside. If damage occurs anywhere on your roof, the rest of your home could be exposed to danger. A nasty weather event can wreak havoc on your home if you aren't prepared, from leaks and mildew to mold infestations and rot.
Here at RoofCrafters, we've been repairing and replacing storm-damaged roofs for almost thirty years, so we know just how intense these storms can be.
In this article, we'll discuss exactly what you need to do to protect your roof from storm damage. By the end, you'll be confident that you have what it takes to brace your home for severe weather conditions.
What Is Storm Damage?
Storm damage is the destructive aftermath of weather-related events. Roofs are the area of your home most likely to be damaged during a storm. Several weather events can cause harm to your roof, but the main types are:
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Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms
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Windstorms
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Hailstorms
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Ice Storms
High winds, heavy rain, and ice can have a harmful impact on your roof. From the tearing of shingles to the elements penetrating the unprotected surface of your home, there's a lot that can go wrong really quickly during a storm. You can't control the weather, but you can do a lot to protect your home from costly damage. So, what can you do to drastically reduce your chances of falling victim to storm damage? Let's begin!
How Do I Protect My Roof Against Storm Damage?
There are several ways you can brace your home in the event of a storm. They aren't as complicated as you might think, either. If you're in a race against time, you can complete most of these tasks promptly.
Trim Nearby Trees
I know you've seen one- a house with a fallen tree laid right on top of it. What about the angry neighbor with their fist in the air because a tree fell on their fence? It happens, especially in windy areas, like the southeast.
Being in an area surrounded by trees, like pines, can put you at risk for damage during gusts of high winds. Regularly going out and trimming trees that are in close proximity to your home can help protect your roof and your wallet.
Clear Gutters
Clogged gutters are a ticking time bomb. It's crucial to keep your gutters cleaned out because if you don't, melting snow and frozen debris can cause water to lie on your roof. As the snow melts and becomes clogged because the water can't flow organically, the backup causes water to stay stagnant.
Have you ever heard of rot? Of course, you have. That's what you may be looking at if those gutters don't get cleaned out. Water damage strains your roof, and if your gutters aren't clear during a storm, you may have some serious issues down the road.
Go Over Your Insurance Policy
Your homeowner’s insurance may cover storm damage, but if you're unsure, find out. Staying educated is the best way to help prevent issues from occurring in your home, so it's a great idea to go over the details of your insurance policy before a harsh weather event hits.
Of course, whether you're insured or not depends on the specific policy that you're under. Most people don't even think about their insurance until they experience a damaging event, but wouldn't it be better to be prepared early, just in case?
Watch For Loose Shingles
Loose shingles provide a sanctuary for water seeking a home to seep into. In other words, you must ensure those shingles are on well. Moisture under your roof can cause leaks, mold, and rot. From there, your roof could be compromised over time. If you're not looking to replace your entire roof or fix extensive damage to your home, keeping the small things in line goes a long way.
Not having loose shingles repaired can actually cause a lot more issues, like your energy bill increasing or the property called of your home decreasing. But, for the sake of staying on topic, remember that your shingles need to be grasped tightly to your roof. If you notice that you have even one astray or looking a little dangly, you may want to schedule an inspection with a professional roofer.
Schedule An Inspection
Not sure where to begin in addressing how strong your roof is? It's probably best to schedule an inspection with a licensed roofer. It's often recommended to have a check after bad weather, like hail storms. But you should know that isn't the only time to call someone out to look at your roof.
Attempting to make repairs after an ice storm, for example, can be dangerous. Booking an inspection ahead of time will give you the peace of mind that your roof is in the proper condition to hold tough in any weather!
Why Is Protecting My Roof from Storm Damage Important?
I'm sure you understand at this point that your roof is a vital part of your home. It protects the rest of the home, you, and your family from the damage that can be caused by the elements. Identifying issues that could put you and your residence at risk will help you avoid financial stress and much worse. If you make it a priority to stay in tune with your home's needs, you're going to save a bunch of time and money down the line.
Does My Roof Need Protection from Storm Damage?
Of course, it does! No matter where you live, your roof could be at risk of harm if a strong storm hits. Now that you know how to protect your residence from harsh weather, you may be curious to learn more about storm damage. In that case, we have multiple resources you can look through in our learning center. We also suggest reading "What Does Storm Damage Look Like?" if you have questions about the specifics of what storm damage can do to your roof.
At RoofCrafters, we know that all of this information can be daunting and even confusing. Not everyone wants to spend their spare time learning about storm damage. I'm sure you're no different. That's why we want you to know that we're here for you and can happily answer any questions you may have for us!
If you feel you're ready to talk to an expert, RoofCrafters is eager to assist you. In our nearly three decades of business, we've been helping people just like you stay protected from damaging weather events. Feel free to get in contact with one of our friendly representatives by visiting our contact page. No matter what you may need assistance with, we can help!
