Severe summer weather can be your roof's biggest enemy.
Strong winds, heavy rains, hail, and everything else can put a damper on your summer fun and spell disaster for your roof.
The unrelenting sun can also degrade your shingles and wear down paint on the eaves or soffits.
Maintaining the integrity of your roof is the best defense against the brutal nature of a summer storm.
In the article below, we will discuss a few ways you can get your roof ready for the summer storm seasons and avoid costly repairs.
Clean Your Gutters And Waterproof Your House
The first thing you should do as the temperatures start to rise is remove leaves and other debris from your gutters.
Any debris left in your gutters can clog them and send water pouring down the side of your house or under the roof.
This can cause extensive water damage.
You should also check for cracks that could let water into your house after a severe weather event.
Clean gutters are your first line of defense against water damage.
Inspect your roof and ensure none of the shingles or tiles are damaged and that all vents are sealed so wind-driven rain won't enter your house.
Check Large Trees Near Your House and Trim Overhanging Branches
Anything that hangs over your roof poses a threat and leaves your roof vulnerable to significant damage.
Check the area above your roof for any overhanging branches and have them trimmed away from your house.
Weak or diseased trees can break or become uprooted in heavy winds, so you need to inspect trees near your house to make sure they're healthy.
Look for signs that your trees are under stress.
Deformed or dropped leaves, missing bark, dead limbs, and withered branches are all indications your tree is suffering.
A leaning could signal weakness in the root system. The tree might not be strong enough to stay upright in heavy winds and may need to be removed before storm season.
Call a professional if you see any indications that your tree might not withstand heavy winds or storms.
Buy Some Tarps
Tarps are a rare find after storms.
Home improvement stores will often sell out of supplies like tarps and plastic.
Even professional roofers may deal with supply shortages if the storm damage is widespread.
Buy some tarps before storm season and set them aside just in case a summer storm damages your roof.
With a tarp on standby, you'll be prepared to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
Familiarize Yourself With Your Insurance Policy
Every homeowner needs to know what is covered in their insurance policy, even if it means speaking with your insurance agent.
Photo documentation is pivotal in providing the insurance company with an assessment of storm damage.
You also need a physical copy of your policy in case of a power outage.
Knowing what types of roof damage are covered in your policy will alleviate the initial stress and worry should your roof be damaged.
Get A Roof Inspection
Roof maintenance is essential before the summer storm season because routine maintenance helps you spot problems before severe damage occurs.
Call your local roofing company if you haven't had your roof inspected in a while.
They'll do a thorough inspection and address any issues they find.
While you wait for them, you can also do your own inspection.
Take a walk around the exterior of your yard and inspect your roof for any visible damage.
Missing or damaged shingles allow wind and rain to penetrate the protective layers of your roof.
Cracked or sliding tiles must be repaired or replaced because they can quickly become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
Any area that shows wear and tear or early signs of damage should be addressed before storm season.
Contact TK Roofing And Gutters
If you've recently experienced a severe storm, or you'd like to be prepared for the next one, you should get a professional opinion on the condition of your roof.
Similar to most problems in life, it is always better to take care of issues early before they become bigger, and more expensive, problems.
Roof damage after a severe storm is no exception.
Your roof and home are very literally your shelter and protection, so it is vital to keep everything in the best condition as possible.
That is why you need to contact the professional roofers at TK Roofing and Gutters.
Click the button below for a Free Storm Damage Roofing Repair Consultation today.
