In our part of the woods, the weather can turn bad with little warning. Wind-driven storms, rain, hail, snow, and ice test the durability and water-tightness of your roof season after season. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of roof repairs and maintenance. After all, your roof protects you and your loved ones and everything else under it. So, we put together seven great tips for you to help you prepare your roof for stormy weather this season—and the next!
Trim Trees
Trees help beautify your home and property and provide much appreciated shade from the sun on hot days. However, tree branches and limbs that hang over your roof can damage the roof during storms. Branches close to the roof can scrape, tear, and uplift shingles. Large branches and dead limbs that break away entirely can put holes in your roof, crack beams, or completely collapse the roof.
Trim trees back to a distance of at least six feet from the roof to help protect the roof during stormy weather. If there are any diseased or weak trees near your home, consider having them removed. Weakened trees can be uprooted in high winds and fall on your home.
Check Gutters and Downspouts
During the next rain, check the gutters around your house. If any water is spilling over the sides of the gutters, the gutters probably need to be cleaned or repaired. Clogged gutters cause water to seep into the roofing system. Water can wick underneath shingles, decking, and down exterior walls. Downspouts should direct water six feet or more away from your home’s foundation, which is the main purpose of gutters—protecting your home’s foundation from too much water.
Ice Dam Prevention
Winter storms can cause damage to your roof as well as strong summer storms that leave behind storm damage. During the winter, tree branches heavy with ice can snap off and fall on your roof. Ice dams are another winter storm problem. Ice dams occur when the water runoff from melting snow on your roof refreezes at the eaves. Ice dams can become large enough and heavy enough to tear off gutters and damage shingles and decking. If your roof gets ice dams during the winter, call your roofing contractor to remove the ice sheets.
Secure Items Around Outside Of House
Loose items around your home, such as patio furniture and garbage bins, can go airborne if the winds become strong enough. Secure or put away loose items in your yard when strong storms are forecasted.
Keep Tarps On Hand
After a strong storm strikes, tarps can be very hard to come by. Consider investing in enough tarps to cover your entire roof. In the event of roof damage from a strong storm, you run the additional risk of water damage leaking into your already damaged roof. Even roofing contractors could run short on tarps in widespread storms. So, it’s advisable to keep your own supply ready.
Check Homeowners Insurance Policy
Carefully review and read your homeowners insurance policy to make sure you have all the coverage you want and need. Download and print a claims form. Keep the claims form with your policy and any paperwork you have on your roof, such as past repairs, roof replacement, and roof warranty. Place these items in a folder and staple your roofing contractor’s business card to the folder. save, and your roofing contractor’s information. Finally, save your homeowners insurance company’s phone number and your roofing contractor’s phone number in your contacts for quick dialing.
Get a Pro Roof Inspection!
If you haven’t had a roof inspection recently, get one! A reputable roofing contractor will provide you with a comprehensive roof inspection with images and video, which will come in handy if you ever need to file an insurance claim. Further, you’ll know the condition of your roof and know if it needs any repairs or work performed on it to fix leaks and make it stronger. Be sure to check references of roofing contractors you’re considering hiring.
When you need an honest roofing contractor with a great reputation that guarantees their work for 10 years, call Younger Exteriors at (612) 360-0320 or contact us online!
