5 Steps to Storm-Proof Your Roof
Nothing beats watching a storm roll in and knowing that your roof is prepared to handle it. While many homeowners have been through severe weather, it’s not uncommon for even experienced homeowners to be caught off guard by the strength and intensity of powerful storms in Central Alabama.
Luckily, there are steps you can take now to help ensure that your roof stays strong during an upcoming storm—meaning you won’t have to stress about damaging your home when Mother Nature unleashes her fury! Whether you need a roofing inspection or want to upgrade to a Fortified Roofing System, the roofing contractors at Ridgeline Roofing & Restoration can help you prepare for southern storms. Contact us today!
1. Get a Roof Inspection
Before you can storm-proof your roof, it’s essential to know what kind of shape it’s in. A professional inspection will tell you if any issues needing attention and how much work it’ll take to fix them. If there are no problems with the structure or composition of your home’s roof, then all you’ll have left is routine maintenance tasks like cleaning gutters and vents.
A qualified inspector, like Ridgeline Roofing & Restoration, will be able to tell you whether or not there are any signs of wear or damage on the surface of your shingles (such as missing nails). They will also inspect other areas around the house, such as chimneys, vents, and skylights, for cracks or holes that could let water through into living spaces below when storms hit hard enough during heavy rainfall.
2. Perform Routine Maintenance
Check for Loose Shingles
If you notice any loose or cracked shingles, it’s time to replace them.
Check for Missing Shingles
If shingles from your roof are missing, this is another sign that something needs to be done before storm season is upon us. It can be dangerous if water gets inside your home before you realize there’s a problem – so make sure everything is secure now, so you don’t have to worry about this later!
Check for Damaged Flashing
Flashing helps prevent leaks around chimneys, skylights, and other openings in your home’s exterior walls by directing rainwater away from these areas as it runs down sloped roofs toward gutters at their lowest point (typically near eaves). Inspect all regular flashing during annual inspections; if any part appears cracked or corroded (rusty), replace it immediately with new materials before further damage occurs!
3. Upgrade Your Gutters
A gutter system is designed to divert water from your roof, but it can be damaged in storms and other instances. Debris, such as trees and branches, can damage gutters. If a tree falls on your house during a storm and breaks off part of your gutter system, you’ll want to replace it immediately so that no more damage occurs inside or outside the house.
To prevent this from happening again in future storms (or even just regular rain), make sure you have strong metal or vinyl-coated steel gutters installed, so that wind pressure doesn’t knock them apart later!
4. Check for Damage After Every Storm
The best way to protect your roof is to keep an eye on it and ensure that nothing is amiss. If you see the damage after a storm, contact the professionals at Ridgeline Roofing & Restoration immediately. If there’s no visible damage, but you still have concerns about the integrity of your roofing system, check again in a few weeks.
5. Invest in a Fortified Roofing System
A fortified roofing system is critical to protecting your home from the elements and prolonging its lifespan. When a storm hits, your roof must handle the pressure of strong winds and heavy rain. A fortified roofing system will help ensure that your home remains intact through any weather event.
A fortified roofing system can also help with energy efficiency by reducing heat loss through leaks in the attic or around vents, preventing mold growth within damaged shingles, and other problems associated with improper roof installation.
Reach Out to Storm-Proofing Experts
If you want to protect your home from the damage that storms can cause, it’s essential to know where your roof is weakest. This means performing regular inspections and repairs and ensuring that all of its components are up-to-date. If you follow these steps closely, your roof will be stormproof in no time!
Ready to upgrade your roof? Reach out to the team at Ridgeline Roofing & Restoration for more information today!