Preparing Your Roof for a Major Storm
Seasons will come and go but a homeowner's continuous worry should be the weather. Weather is the main cause of wear and tear on your home's exterior no matter what the sky is doing. The sun will eventually degrade your roof and start to take a toll on the exterior of your home. Rain, storms, and high winds increase the chance of leaks and damage to your shingles. Here in Alabama we’re getting ready for our most stormy, dangerous season. It’s important to know what you can do to prevent any damage for the next coming months.
Batten Down the Hatches
The saying “Batten Down the Hatches” is a mariner term used while on a ship when storms are on the way. It means to close the doors, trapdoors, and portholes preventing water from getting in the ship. When we’re talking about a home it's similar in that securing your doors and windows and double-checking weather-stripping beforehand. But what do doors and windows have to do with your roof? During a storm, air pressure is a major factor. If a door or window blows open it can increase the air pressure in the home and push the roof upward, decreasing stability. To avoid this issue keep your windows and doors closed when a storm hits.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Whether you expect heavy wind or rain, the last thing you want during a storm is your gutters to clog or get filled up. This can result in your entire gutter system to overflow leading to water spilling out over the sides of your gutters and puddles sitting on the edge of your roof. Gutters and downspouts are intended to direct water away from your home to reduce wear on the roof and siding. In a worse case scenario, a clogged gutter system can break away from the roof and fall, ripping parts of the roof away with it. To protect your roof, siding, and gutters make sure the gutters are cleaned out every so often and the downspouts are unclogged before a storm.
Trim Branches
Extreme winds and hail are the worst that a storm can generally produce. In turn the most damage a storm can inflict is dropping a tree branch on the roof. Tree branches that can shatter tiles, cost thousands of dollars in repairs, and crack your roof supports. The best way to prevent this disaster is to keep all your trees trimmed and away from the roof. While there is nothing you can do about strong winds, there is something you can do about the trees in your yard.
Get a Professional Consultation
If you're concerned about the integrity of your roof this season consider calling a pro for an inspection or consultation. A professional roofer will be able to help you make your roof as secure as possible before a storm. They may suggest repairs beforehand if you're having current issues with your roof. For more helpful information on roofing and securing your home before a storm contact Birmingham Roofs today!