Tips for Making Sure Your Roof is Storm & Snow Proof
Having a durable roof to protect the house and everything inside it can put homeowners at ease whenever there are major weather disturbances. Storm and snow can damage the roof significantly, but if you prepare ahead of time and you’re sure that your roofing is well-maintained, you can avoid major repairs.
Here are some of the ways to make your roof storm and snow proof:
1. Trim down your trees
Trees can get badly beaten down by strong winds and heavy rains, so it is a must that you trim them down before the storm. Even if your trees don’t show any sign of deterioration and their branches don’t seem like it will snap during the storm, you should still trim them so they won’t fall into the roof and cause a leak.
2. Clean your gutters
Gutters are often overlooked and are rarely cleaned out despite the important role they play. Gutters are essential drainage systems and since they get clogged easily by leaves and other debris, they should be cleaned regularly. If the gutters are clogged during a storm or heavy rainfall, excess water can accumulate and damage the roof.
3. Spot check your roof
Do a minor check using binoculars and a ladder. Check whether there are rust and erosion, punctures, broken or missing shingles, curled or buckled shingles, and shingle granule build up in your gutters. When you find these roofing problems and you still have time before the snow or storm hits, make sure to contact a roofing maintenance professional immediately so they can fix the problem.
Don’t wait and hope that your roof will withstand the storm or snow and that they don’t get further damaged. Doing so will result in more costly roof repair.
4. Add flashing
If you don’t have layered roof shingles, adding flashing will ensure that water won’t seep into joints or water-resistant barrier systems. Flashing materials are commonly made of aluminum or galvanized steel and they act as a sealer.
You can also install ice and water shielding to cover trouble spots and keep water out of your home even if you get ice dams.
5. Clean your roof after storm, hail or snow
This should be a no-brainer and yet many homeowners think that if their roof was able to withstand the weather disturbances, then they don’t need to worry about checking them.
If you’re not confident or somehow afraid to climb up your roof and clean it, then you should contact roofing maintenance professionals to do it for you.
Make your own research and assess whether you really need a roof snow removal service before actually hiring a contractor. This will ensure that the contractor and their people have the expertise, equipment, and certifications to do the job well. Your chosen roofing contractors should be able to give you a sound advice about what maintenance work is necessary in order to protect your home and your family.
These are just some of the things you can do to protect your roof from getting damaged in the event of snow and storm. Remember, regular maintenance and enough preparation can go a long way in making your roof last longer.
