How Can I Prepare My Roof for Storms?
The summer storm season in the Southeast has begun with the solstice (June 21). You know how quickly a thunderstorm may form. These quick-hitting storms can bring heavy rain and wind.
So, now is the time to prepare your roof for storms.
Tips for Preparing Your Roof for Storms
"But I cleaned my gutters last autumn," you may say. Right? Well, cleaning up your gutters when the leaves fall is excellent and necessary. But that was a few seasons ago. Now, the storm season approaches, so here are some roof preparation tips for you:
- Clear Overhead Vegetation
Are there overhanging tree branches over your roof? During storms, heavy winds can break them, causing grave damage to your roof and property. So, trim any growth near or above your house. This preventive measure will protect your roof from fallen limbs and prevent gutter debris.
2. Inspect Your Roof
If you have a shingle roof, inspect it for broken, loose, or missing shingles; repair them as needed. If any shingle granules are missing, your shingles' performance has likely declined. If you detect granules surrounding your downspouts, consider a roof replacement before the deck suffers water damage. If your roof is not shingled, now is a good time to inspect it.
3. Check Seals and Flashing
Many homeowners don't check their flashing and seals because they don't know what to look for or ignore that these elements can cause problems.
Flashing can corrode, rust, and degrade over time. Damaged or worn flashing can cause roof leaks. So, check all flashing, seals, and waterproofing before preparing your roof. Immediately address any exposed underlayment or deck in your roof.
4. Check the Gutters
Winter storms can drop shingle particles, and spring pollen from neighboring trees can block gutters quickly. Likewise, in spring and summer, insects and creatures prefer to nest in gutters. To avoid problems, remove any nests from your gutters or roof. Also, clear your downspouts.
Don't you like having to clean your gutters? If you prefer to avoid this task, you can install gutter guards.
5. Check the Attic
You must check your attic too. Dryness is a positive indicator. Water damage, water stains, mold, or mildew may show a roof problem. Checking your attic on a sunny day will help you spot any roofing gaps that require fixing.
6. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
You can perform regular roof inspections by yourself. But, since you may have no roofing training and expertise, you might overlook any critical issues.
Use a local, qualified specialist to determine the state of your roof.
Solve Your Roofing Concerns
We hope this roof preparation checklist is useful. If your roof has seen too many summers, replacing it is the best decision. Besides, call a local professional Shreveport Louisiana roofing company if you require emergency roof repair because of a storm.
Give Alpha Roofing a call at 318-373-5875. Our expert team is ready to serve you with the best professional attitude and expertise. We service areas in Bossier City and Shreveport, LA.