In recent years, strong storms have become a regular occurrence in many parts of Florida. Yet, some people still tend to brush off the news of bad weather, choosing to ignore the dangers it might cause to their homes. Even worse, most of them forget that their home’s roof is the only line of defense they have against the elements. And, if it’s not in good shape, your roof will fail whenever you need it the most. That’s why preparing your roof for the next big storm is vital, especially if you live in Florida.
Preparing Your Roof
Let’s be honest — you don’t have to be an expert to check and make sure your roof is ready for summer storms. In fact, all you need to do is follow a few easy maintenance steps. Then, you’ll be able to relax knowing that your roof can withstand any upcoming weather conditions.
Inspect Your Roof
During storms, the excess water will put a lot of pressure on your roof. As a result, any existing small leak can become a real problem and lead to structural damage. Our advice is to check your roof for damage, holes, as well as curled or missing shingles. You can do that from the ground using a binocular or contact a local roofing company to get a professional inspection.
Repair Existing Damage
If you want to get through the summer storm season, you’ll need a durable roof with no issues. As a matter of fact, existing holes and missing shingles will only cause further problems, such as indoor leaks and structural damage. However, we advise contacting a roofing company and requesting a repair. Doing it yourself could cause more damage to the roof or even to your health.
Clean Your Gutters
Blocked gutters can cause water to pool on your roof, allowing it to seep into soffits, shingles, and fascia. Not only that, but the weight of wet debris can also damage your guttering, causing it to break away and fall. Thus, cleaning your gutters and removing accumulated branches, leaves, and other debris is essential.
Trim Nearby Trees
Don’t forget to trim any tree branches near your roof and remove all dead trees. That’s because broken tree limbs can crack roof shingles and put extra weight on the roof structure. And during major storms, branches can scratch your roof, damaging its protective coating.
Review Your Insurance Policy and Warranty
In the event of a storm, locating your warranty and insurance information can help you speed up the claim process. But make sure that your policy is up-to-date and covers all types of roof damage. Also, take a look at your roof manufacturer’s warranty. Some policies become void if you don’t inspect and maintain your roof regularly.
Get Professional Help Today!
Making sure that your roof is ready for the next big storm is vital if you want to have peace of mind and avoid having to pay for costly repairs in the future. And while you could handle the preparations yourself, most experts advise contacting a local roofing company. They can inspect your roof and fix existing damage. What’s more, professional roofers can also check the structural integrity and decide if a replacement is the best way to protect your home and family.
So, remember to contact us today if you need more helpful roofing tips or want to schedule an inspection.
