Whether rain, hail, snow, or wind-driven storms, modern roofs are designed to withstand most types of foul weather conditions. While you rely on your roofing contractor for any storm damage repair you may incur, it can literally pay to prepare your roof for strong storms from the start to minimize damage to your roof, home, and property. Is your roof ready for storm season? Read on for some great tips from your local GAF Master-Elite™ roofing contractor!
Regular Roof Maintenance
The type of storms that rumble through Wisconsin and Illinois tend to make any flaws and deficiencies in a roofing system much worse. Wind-driven storms commonly uplift shingles and blow them off the roof. Snow and ice storms can cause ice dams to form on the roof eaves, which can force water into the roofing system and inside your home. Flash hail storms can damage the entire roof deck, break windows, and dent siding.
Regular roof maintenance is important to keep your roofing system as durable as possible for as long as possible. If you haven’t had your roof inspected in more than a year or since the last major storm, call your roofing contractor to schedule an appointment.
Gutters and Downspouts
The gutters and downspouts of your roofing system are designed to move water from the roof away from your home’s foundation. This task helps protect your home’s foundation and basement from water damage.
Check the gutters and downspouts around your home during the next rain. If you see any water spilling over the sides, there is likely a blockage somewhere in the gutters or downspouts. Your gutters should either be cleaned, repaired, or replaced if they’re in poor condition.
Trim Trees Near the Roof
Trees and tree limbs that are too close to your roof can cause damage to your roof and home during severe storms. Tree limbs can scrape shingles and tear them loose or damage them. Strong winds or the weight of heavy snow and ice can snap limbs and uproot trees. If any trees are unhealthy and weak close to your home, contact an arborist for the best course of action for possibly removing the tree.
Secure Outdoor Items
Patio furniture, waste and recycle containers, and other loose items around your home can become dangerous projectiles during severe wind-driven storms. Minimize the amount of loose items around your home to help reduce the chance of damage during storms. When severe storms are forecasted, secure loose items or store them away.
Emergency Roofing Supplies
In the aftermath of a storm, tarpaulins are one of the emergency items that quickly vanish from store shelves. Tarps can help minimize water damage in the interim before roof repairs by your pro roofing contractor can be made. Plan ahead of possible storm damage by keeping enough tarps on hand to cover at least half of your roof. You’ll also need long strips of 1×2 boards to secure tarps over any roof damage. The boards should run vertically to prevent water backup that horizontal board placement would cause. Also, there are self-adhesive tarps available so that you don’t need to use nails to secure the tarp to the roof.
Pro Roof Inspection
A pro roof inspection from a reputable roofing contractor will tell you the condition of your roof and approximately how long the roof will last before a roof replacement is needed. You’ll also learn of any roof deficiencies that require roofing services to prevent storm damage roof repairs. If you already have roof damage, contact a reputable roofing company that offers free roof inspections and backs up their work guaranteed in writing.
If you haven’t had your roof inspected since the last storm or you have storm damage, contact the roofing pros at Aurum Contracting. We provide fast, free storm damage roof inspections and stand behind our work with a 5 Year Gold Standard Warranty for craftsmanship. Call us at (608) 312-4343 or contact us online!