How to Prep Your Home for Summer Storms
As a homeowner in the South, summer storms can often be daunting and unpredictable. Summer is typically a busy season of outdoor barbecues, celebrating special occasions with family and friends, or relaxing poolside after a long day at work. However, summer storms also bring about potential destruction if one isn’t prepared for them properly. Staying one step ahead of any kind of storm damage requires taking proactive steps to alleviate potentially costly incidents from happening in the future. Roof MD wants to provide education on what homeowners should do when preparing their roofs for these types of inclement weather events common during the summer months.
Keep reading to find 5 simple steps that will help you protect your roof and home before the next big rain shower or thunderstorm hits!
Check your Ceiling, Attics, and Crawl Spaces
The first step in protecting your roof against summer storms is to check the interior of your home. This includes checking any ceiling, attics, and crawl spaces for any signs of water damage or issues with the roof. Signs of potential issues include:
• Mold or mildew signs.
• Light shining through in the attic
• Water spots in the ceiling.
These issues mean that water is getting through your roofing shingles or underlayment and is damaging your home structure. If you do notice something off it means you’re super vulnerable if a summer storm hits and you’ll need a professional’s help.
Clean the Gutters and Downspouts
Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is an important task that should be done regularly to ensure the proper functioning of your home’s drainage system. As debris builds up over time, it can create blockages that prevent water from flowing freely through the gutters and downspouts, leading to potential damage to your roof, walls, and foundation. When the gutter becomes filled with debris, it can weigh down your home’s structure and cause damage to the fascia. This can be a big problem if you don’t fix it before a summer storm hits. The gutters can become weak and vulnerable to strong winds and heavy rain that can cause significant damage and even put you in danger.
It is recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice a year. If you live in an area with many trees or during heavy rainfall seasons, it is best to clean them more often. While cleaning, inspect the gutters for any damage or wear. If damage is found, call a roofing expert right away to have it replaced. By taking these measures, you can keep your gutters and downspouts in good condition and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Look for Missing Shingles or Tiles
When it comes to maintaining your roof, one of the key things to keep an eye out for is missing shingles or tiles. Not only can they make your roof look unsightly, but they can also leave your home vulnerable to leaks and other damage. Also if you start to find small, black/grey granules in your gutter or a black-like sheen on the roof structure itself, those are signs the roofing shingles are worn down. Even if shingles appear to be loose rather than completely missing, it’s still worth taking the time to have them fixed by a professional roofer.
Additionally, if you reside in an area that experiences summer storms, your home insurance policy may cover shingle damage. It is important to have a professional roofing inspection and notify your insurance provider of the situation.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Trimming overhanging branches is an important aspect of maintaining the safety and longevity of your roof. Over time, branches can grow too close to the roof structure, creating potential hazards for your home. Strong winds and heavy precipitation can cause branches to break, possibly causing damage to your roof or even endangering your family. Clearing away overhanging branches not only reduces the risk of damage but also helps to promote healthy growth and longevity of the trees. It’s always a good idea to hire a professional tree trimmer to ensure that the job is done safely and effectively. Remember, a little preventative maintenance can go a long way in protecting your home and family.
Prepared for the Summer Storms? If not, Book an Inspection Today!
As a homeowner, it is important to be familiar with the materials and structure of the roofing over your home. Taking steps such as inspecting the materials, cleaning gutters and downspouts, looking for missing shingles or tiles, and trimming overhanging branches can help protect the integrity of your roof for years to come. The most important thing you can do to prepare for the upcoming summer storms is to bring a professional roofing contractor to perform a roof inspection. Most companies offer FREE roofing inspections, and they will look through every element of your roof and offer solutions to ensure your roof is prepared for a tough summer storm.
If you live in Tennessee, then Roof MD can help guide you through all these steps so that you have peace of mind knowing that your roof is in great condition. We offer FREE Roof Inspections and are ready to help you prepare for the upcoming summer storms. Contact us today to get started!
