(Solved!) What to do If the Roof Has Storm Damage?

Your home’s roof can’t do much to protect you if it has suffered damage. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your roof from storm damage. From hail to heavy rains, here are 8 tips to protect your roof from storm damage no matter the storm type.

What extreme weather conditions can damage your roof?

Your roof is the foremost defensive structure against storms and severe weather.

Extreme weather conditions that can affect your roof include:

• Hail
• Heavy rain
• Strong winds

1. Hail

Hail affects a large number of buildings every year. Irrespective of its shape and size, hail can be extremely harmful to your house’s roof, siding, and windows. It can cause cracks, dents, or holes. This can be protected using hail guards, wire mesh, or shields. You should get your roof inspected after every storm to look for any damages.

2. Heavy rain

Roofs with pre-existing issues like cracked or missing shingles are susceptible to storm damage. Heavy rain and lightning can also damage old roofing. Before the hurricane season arrives, ensure that any cracked or missing shingles are repaired or replaced. You should consider replacing the roof entirely if it is too old or damaged severely.

3. Strong winds

Strong wind can also damage your roof. Although gentle breezes are not threatening, powerful winds can take off panels and dislodge shingles, which exposes your wooden frame and causes an opening in your ceiling. Nearby trees can also damage your roof when strong winds uproot them. To prevent your roof from getting damaged, trim surrounding branches.

8 tips to protect your roof from storm damage

To make the most of your investment, you must protect your roof during a hurricane or other storms. Here are a few useful tips that can minimize the effects of strong winds, rain, or severe heat.

1. Roof inspection

A regular roof inspection is important to detect possible damage. Most homeowners either skip roof inspections or take too long to get them inspected again. Your roof needs regular maintenance to protect your home and family from different weather conditions.

Ensure that your roofing is intact and doesn’t require repair. Check the ceilings and interior walls for signs of stains or leaks. It is also important to check the outside walls for cracks, stains, leaks, or other problems.

2. Repair or replace roof

In case of leaks or cracks, your roof needs to be repaired as soon as possible, especially before an upcoming storm. It is best to hire a professional to help fix any issues.

If the damage is beyond repair or if your roof is more than 20 years old, you should consider replacing the entire roof before the storm hits.

3. Cut down the trees or large bushes

While trees and natural splendors give beauty to your home, they can damage your roof during a storm of strong wind and heavy rainfall. Tree branches and fruits hanging onto the trees are susceptible to break and fly off with winds hitting different areas of your roof. You need to cut certain branches down to decrease the risk of roof damage.

4. Clean your gutters

Gutters must be checked regularly to ensure your gutters are not clogged. It is necessary to clean the debris and fix the issues if your gutters are blocked. Clean your gutters and remove all the debris so they can function effectively.

5. Remove any outside objects

Yard equipment, toys, or patio furniture seem harmless during peaceful weather, but they can become projectiles during a storm. In high enough winds, even heavy items may blow against your house and roof. As a rule of thumb, put away outdoor tools, toys, and entertaining items when they aren’t in use. You can also stake down items like patio tables and lawn ornaments if there is a storm warning.

6. Install a durable roofing material

Install roofing materials that can endure severe weather conditions. Roofing materials like asphalt shingles are best for areas with lots of hurricanes, heavy rain, or hail storms. However, you must consider replacing your shingles entirely if they are too old (it is recommended that asphalt shingles be replaced between 15 and 30 years). Older shingles can’t withstand storms as newer shingles can.

7. Hire a roofing contractor

Roofing contractors can detect problems that haven’t even started showing signs. These problems aren’t visible to the untrained eyes. Therefore, you should hire a well-reputed and trustworthy roofing company that can detect and fix issues before they become more severe.

8. Ventilate your roof properly

Proper roof ventilation will ensure that your roof stays secure to your home and that shingles and other pieces do not fly away during the next windstorm.

Ready to protect your roof?

You can save your home from the upcoming storm by knowing how to protect your roof from storm damage. Central Homes Roofing is able and willing to assist you with all of your roofing needs. Contact us to get started with a free quote.