5 Great Tips to Ensuring Your Roof is Storm-Proof

Keeping your home in tip-top shape is of uttermost importance. After all, your home is likely to be the most valuable investment you have. Most homeowners go to great lengths to enhance the outlook of their property by adding a fresh coat of paint, landscaping, replacing rugs, etc. Unfortunately, the roof is typically forgotten until a leak is spotted and only then does it get some attention. Seeing how important the roof is in safeguarding your home from weather elements, it is essential that you storm proof it as well. Here are five guidelines to help you storm-proof your roof:

1- Roof Inspection

Knowing exactly what is happening on your rooftop calls for a thorough walk-through by a qualified roof inspector. Look out for loose or missing shingles, broken vents, cracks, and other noticeable issues. Cracks or crevices are very dangerous as water can seep through them and mess up the electrical wiring of the home and possibly start a fire! A word to the wise, do not postpone inspection until a potential storm draws near. Hire an inspector well in advance to give ample time to do repairs before the storm hits. This is particularly helpful if you reside in an area that is prone to rainstorms. The next step is repairing any damages and secure nails with grooved ring shanks so they can’t be yanked out when the rains start.

2- Clean Gutters

Some roofs collect a lot of water even after just a minor rainstorm. This can be detrimental especially after a huge rainstorm hits and some can go for days on end. Remove debris from the gutters so water can flow freely without causing a flood on the roof. If this happens, the excess pressure and moisture would cause a massive leak in the roof. Inspect the gutters for leaks and repair any holes you find. This will ensure that water actually goes through the gutters and not leaking to the ground and damage the foundation of your property and the compound in general. To avert such catastrophes, clean your gutters independently by simply climbing a ladder or hire a professional to tackle this chore for you.

3- Tree Pruning and Maintenance

If your property is adorned with trees, ensure that they are properly maintained to avoid accidents when the storm hits. There are many cases where broken tree branches fall during rainstorms and wreak havoc on the roof. This does not only jeopardize the safety of occupants but also presents a repair challenge that will require you to dig deep into your pockets. Habitually pruning excess branches and even cutting down old and rotten trees will avert the risk of broken branches destroying the roof. Bear in mind that overhanging tree branches could fall at any time and not only during rainstorms.

4- Repair Ceilings

It is likely that your ceiling has accumulated moisture over the years. This dampness damages the ceiling material discolors the affected area, and even makes the ceiling sag. Just as repairing the roof is crucial so is repairing ceilings. Depending on how bad the damage is, you may have to replace an entire ceiling or just a small portion. Regardless, repairing the ceiling now will cost significantly less than waiting for more damage to happen.

5- Insurance Cover

Even after reinforcing the roof and other parts of your home, you must ascertain that insurance payments are up to date. Any missed payments could affect how much help your insurance provider can accord you once a storm hits. If you are forced to handle the repairs on your own, repair costs can skyrocket and put a significant dent in your finances. To negate such an occurrence, call up your insurance provider or visit in person just to make sure everything is in order. Also, this applies to homeowners who are yet to apply for home insurance. Make it a top priority right next to paying for your automobile insurance. Please note, merging both insurance policies can help you save over 30% in annual premiums.

There are many preparations to do before a rainstorm hits. From reinforcing windows and doors, preparing storm drains, and such. Don’t neglect the roof as this is the first point of contact with rainwater.

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