Every homeowner wants to protect their home from severe weather conditions like high-speed winds, hail, heavy rain, and snow. However, it’s almost impossible to achieve this when your first line of defense is not in good shape. Your roof protects your home and everything beneath it, and it often takes the worst hit when harsh weather sets in. It's hard to predict the intensity and duration of such weather conditions accurately, but we do know that a roof devoid of leaks, cracks and missing shingles has a better chance of survival. It's always a great idea to hire a professional to carry out inspections, preventive maintenance and repairs. Our seasoned crew at Nyroofing has outlined the top 9 ways to prepare your roof against unpredictable weather.
Adequate roof maintenance is one sure way to make your roof last as long as possible. Schedule regular roof inspections by a professional to assess the condition of your roof, especially before the storm seasons kick in. The roofing professional can help you spot existing or potential issues and recommend vital repairs to fortify the roof against extreme weather conditions. Issues like missing shingles, cracked tiles, and signs of wear and tear should receive immediate attention to prevent any breach in the protective layers of your roof.
Your roof’s gutters and downspouts easily get clogged up with leaves, branches, and other debris, preventing the seamless flow of rainwater. Cleaning your gutters regularly would ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage caused by heavy downpours or snow melting. Also, check for loose or weak downspout fasteners and gutter hangers, as they could also damage the eaves of your house when they break away during high-speed winds.
Another essential way to protect your roof in bad weather conditions is to trim trees and branches that extend over your house. During storms or high winds, these branches cause serious damage to your property if they break off and fall on it. It’s best to trim surrounding trees annually, and if possible, keep branches at least six feet away from your roof. Also, look out for dead or weak trees around your home. In storm seasons, these aged trees pose a serious threat to your property, especially the tall ones. If you can't tell when a tree is diseased or under stress, do well to invite a tree surgeon.
Proper attic ventilation plays a crucial role in preserving your roof system as it regulates temperature and controls moisture. A well-ventilated attic will always have an boost your roof’s lifespan since proper attic ventilation prevents heat buildup in hot seasons and reduces ice dam formation in cold climates. If ice dams form, they can leak into your home, causing serious damage to ceilings, walls, and more.
Homeowners in areas that experience heavy snowfall should consider installing snow guards. Snow guards are devices installed on the roof to make snow and ice melt completely and fall off in small amounts. They prevent large amounts of snow from falling all at once, protecting your roof and the lives and properties below it.
High-speed winds are unpredictable, and even your fine garden furniture can become harmful projectiles that can break into your windows. Broken windows can allow excess wind force into your house, which may alter your roof’s stability or, in severe cases, lift off your roof completely. The best preventive measure is to tie down these items during heavy storm seasons and ensure no objects are lying outside your home.
If you are looking to replace an old roof in an area synonymous with hail storms, hurricanes, heavy rain, and sleet, consider upgrading to impact-resistant roofing materials like class 4-rated shingles and metal roofing. Though all shingles offer some measure of impact resistance, this category of roofing materials is built to withstand the impact of hail, wind-blown debris and other extreme weather conditions.
No matter how prepared you are, it’s always a nice idea to plan for emergency repairs just in case the weather gets worse and damages your roof. Procure some tarps before storm seasons and keep them as a temporary solution to minor roof damage. This should help prevent further damage to the roof system until you are ready for repairs or replacements.
Reviewing your insurance policy is also an important part of your preparation for extreme weather conditions. Unfortunately, most homeowners tend to skip this part. Check your insurance policy to verify that it’s up to date and also get familiar with its terms, what it covers, and what it doesn’t. This would help you avoid any surprises during the claims process. Furthermore, keep all necessary documents regarding your insurance policy and warranty in a safe place, and don’t hesitate to gather enough evidence before and after damage, as this will strengthen the chances of your claims getting approved when the time comes.
Conclusion
Bad weather might be a homeowner's biggest nightmare because of its threat to life and properties, including your home and all valuables in it. Still, you are not helpless against such circumstances, at least not when you’ve played your part adequately. Expert roofers can inspect your roof and carry out all the necessary repairs in readiness for severe climate conditions.
Contact trusted roofing contractors now at 553 Prospect Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 (646) - 838 - 0441 https://www.nyroofing.com; let's ensure your roof is in the best shape to offer maximum protection for your family and investments.
