The roof of your house is a crucial structural component of your home. If the roof is damaged during a storm, wind and rain could cause significant damage to your residence. So, if you have advance warning that a storm is going to hit, it's a good idea to take steps that will limit any potential harm to your roof. Here are several key tips to keep in mind.
Cleaning
Although it's a very simple thing that is easy to overlook, keeping your roof and gutters clean is an important aspect of reducing any storm damage. Any loose branches, limbs or debris should be removed, as they can become projectiles that could penetrate your roof shingles or dormer windows if a strong storm occurs.
Also, check your gutters carefully and make certain that they are not clogged with any leaves, dirt or other debris. When gutters become clogged, rainwater can be splashed up onto the roof and get under your shingles and damage your roof sheathing and rafters. Remove all debris from the gutters and run some water from a garden hose down the length of the gutters to make sure they are draining properly.
Shingles
Check the roof carefully for any loose or torn shingles. Shingles that are loose or damaged are more likely to be blown off when a storm strikes. For loose shingles, nail them to the roof with galvanized roofing nails. If a shingle is torn, nail each torn section to the sheathing or replace the shingle entirely if you have an extra shingle available.
Trees
A good rule of thumb is that no tree on your property should have branches that overhang the roof. Storms often knock off branches and limbs which then land on the roof, causing damage to the shingles and sheathing. Trim any overhanging branches, especially dead branches, from your trees to avoid having them harm your roof.
Attic
If you have an attic, head up to the space and check the roof sheathing, which is typically plywood. Make certain that the sheathing is fastened securely to the rafters or roof trusses. If any sheathing seems loose, consider having it nailed securely by a roofing professional.
Even when you take every precaution, a strong storm will often cause damage to your roof that will require repairs. If your roof needs repair after a storm, the best course of action is to contact a qualified roofing contractor near you.
After struggling with the appearance and structural integrity of my home, I realized that I had to do something to make a difference. I realized that part of the issue had to be the roof, since the home had been in my family for years and nobody had ever addressed the roof before. I met with a roofing team to talk about the problem, and they were instrumental in helping me to get things sorted out. After a few renovations, things had really improved, and I felt like things were on the up and up. I wanted to start a blog that focused on finding roofing for your home, so check out this blog.