How to Make Your Roof Stronger Before a Storm

A sturdy
and robust roof is among the most reliable defenses against storm damage. To
ensure the stability and effectiveness of your roofing system, ensure you
maintain it in good shape. Always ensure it’s in perfect condition before a
storm.

The sun can
damage your shingles and wear down paints on soffits and eaves. However, wind
and storms can cause worse damage. Severe weather conditions like hail and
hurricanes can be catastrophic. The tips below will help you prepare your roof
for storm seasons. 

Get an
Inspection

Roof
maintenance increases the durability of your roofing system. This comes in
handy when it’s done before a storm hits. Routine inspection helps to spot
problems and have them repaired on time. If you haven’t had your roof inspected
for some time, contact a reputable service roofer. They will conduct a thorough
inspection and handle any issues found.

You can
conduct a walk-around to assess for any alterations if your roof underwent an
inspection recently. Damaged or missing shingles allow rain and wind to
penetrate your roof’s protective layers. Any possible wear and tear should be
handled on time to avoid worsening during a storm.

Address
Leaks Immediately

Water leaks
should be addressed immediately. Small leaks create a perfect breeding area for
mold and mildew. Roof leaks cause water to pool between the ceiling and the
roof. It rots the beams and puts extra weight on them. This stresses the
drywall, beams, and insulation, leading to sagging or drooping. Excess weight
over a prolonged period can cause the roof to collapse. Therefore, you should
keep your roof leak-free to boost its durability and strength for better
functionality.

Enhance
Drainage

Excess
moisture on your roof can be a significant problem during a storm. Clogged
drainage systems and gutters or poorly designed ones can block the proper flow
of water. This can lead to extensive damage with time as the water will
stagnate on your shingles. Having a routine maintenance plan can help you solve
this problem. Additionally, you can install extra downspouts in case of large
or complex roof layouts.

You should
also consider cleaning your gutters and downspouts. Blogged gutters force water
back onto your roof or go under the shingles. With time, this can leak into
your home’s interior. Uneven or dented gutters prevent the proper flow of water
to the downspouts. This forces water to pool in the gutter. Ensure you check
for weak or loose fasteners as well. When soaked leaves clog gutters, they can
cause them to detach from the roof along with parts of the eaves.

Trim Trees

Small
branches that extend over the house should be trimmed. Tree branches don’t have
to fall on your roof to damage it. Branches or limbs in proximity to the roof
have the potential to harm it. Additionally, they are capable of prying
shingles loose during windy conditions. Large branches or dead limbs can break
off completely, causing severe damage to your roof. They can even break through
your roof entirely or crack roof beams.

Have an
annual plan for trimming your trees and ensure they are six feet from your
roof. This will keep leaves and debris from falling on your roof. It will also
prevent the chances of falling branches breaking through your roof.
Additionally, you should ensure no weak or diseased trees around your home.
This is because they can become uprooted by heavy winds, causing severe damage
to your home.

Look for
signs of stressed trees, which include missing bark and deformed or dropped
leaves, among others. A leaning tree can also be a signal of a weak root
system. If a tree lacks the resilience to endure heavy winds, it should be
removed before a storm season. A tree doesn’t have to be near the house to
cause damage. Due to its height, it might affect you if it falls in the wrong
direction.

Secure the
Shingles

Securing
the shingles is one of the most essential steps to enhance your roof’s safety
before a storm. If the bottom row of your shingles isn’t adequately secured,
the rest of the layers can be affected by high winds. You can use three
one-inch dots of roofing cement to secure your roofing shingles. This should,
however, be done early enough as the cement takes approximately two weeks to
properly adhere.

Don’t let storms
catch you by surprise. With proper preparations, you can make it through
unscathed. Working with a reliable roofer for professional inspection, repair,
and replacement is important. With Universal Roofing Specialists LLC, the
safety of your roofing system is guaranteed.