Weather is one of the biggest causes for wear and tear of roofs. Before the hurricane season sets in, it is important to protect your roof against possible damage. Your roof is a big investment that takes time and money to replace in case of high winds and rain. Taking preventative measures can save you a lot of money in terms of repairs or replacement.
The sun can degrade shingles and wear down paint on your roof. Wind can also causes damage as a result of falling or flying debris while winter storms can worsen the situation. They come with storms and ice. The weight of the snow can easily damage the structure of your roof.
It might appear like the situation is beyond control when it comes to protecting your roof against a storm. But you can prevent or minimize the extent of the damage if you proactively prepare for a storm. Below are Tips and Tricks to Protect Your Roof from Hurricane Damages
1. Get an Inspection
Roof maintenance is necessary to ensure your roof lasts longer. This is particularly important when the storm season is approaching. Regular maintenance is essential because it helps identify areas of weakness before a hurricane happens.
Talk to a reputable roofing company to have your house inspected once in a while. They will conduct a thorough inspection and recommend the best course of action. Damaged or missing shingles can easily allow rain and wind to enter the protective layers of your roof.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Blocked downspouts or gutters usually prevent water from flowing off the roof. This can cause water to flow back up to your roof and underneath shingles hence causing your roof to leak. Gutters prevent water from flowing to the downspouts and collecting inside the gutter. Try to check for weak and loose fasteners. Gutters can easily break away from the roof if they become heavy with soaked debris and leaves.
3. Trim Trees
This is another trick to protect your roof from hurricane damage. Trim or cut small branches that extend over the house. Allowing branches to grow and extend towards your house risks damaging your roof in case of a hurricane.
Large branches or dead limbs that break off can severely cause damage to your roof if they fall. You should trim your trees at least every year to keep branches short. This will reduce the risk of falling branches and prevent leaves and other debris from collecting on the roof.
4. Prevent Ice Dams
Winter storms can pose the same dangers as those of summer storms. Frozen Branches can easily break even without strong winds. This can cause ice dams to form when the snow melts and freezes.
Your first line of defense should be preventing ice dams. However, ice and water shields can offer an extra layer of protection. In case the ice dam forms, the ice and water shield will offer you great leak protection against extreme weather conditions.
5. Buy Some Tarps
It is often difficult to find roof tarps after a storm. You will realize that most home improvement stores will have sold them out already. Sometimes roofing companies also face supply shortages at this particular time. It would be a good idea to purchase some tarps before a hurricane sets in. This will help you to carry out temporary repairs and prevent your roof from further damage.
6. Check Large Trees for Age and Weakness
Weak or dead trees can easily break or be uprooted by heavy rain or winds. That’s why it is important to inspect trees close to your house to ensure they are in good shape. You should look for signs of trees that are under stress. Some of the common indicators of a suffering tree include missing bark, deformed or dropped leaves, withered branches and dead limbs.
7. Secure Your Roof With Hurricane Ties
You can also have your roof strapped down with hurricane ties. They are attached over your roof to the walls or foundations of the structure. In some states, this is a requirement for homes built after 1992.
Closing Thoughts
The hurricane season is a reality that every homeowner has to deal with. The most important thing is to put preventative measures that will protect your roof from being damaged.
