Harsh climate is the most common cause of roof damage. And with the rising global temperature, we are seeing monster tornadoes, bitter winters, and stronger hurricanes every year. To prevent costly repairs and extensive property damage, we’ve outlines tips to reinforce your roof and make it virtually life-proof:
Clean the Gutters and Downspouts Regularly
Do not wait until the weather channel warns you of harsh weather before maintaining an efficient gutter system. Always clean the gutters and downspouts regularly to avoid blockages that could damage your home. This goes especially if your home is surrounded by thick foliage and you are located in a hurricane-prone area.
When the gutters are clogged, the water will back into your property, weakening your home’s foundation in the process. Water damage could also ruin the exterior of your home. You have to clean your gutters regularly, removing dried leaves, unwanted debris, and nesting materials that could clog the system.
Trimming the Trees
Yes, doing bits of yard work contributes to a durable roof. Overhanging tree branches could give in during a storm, causing extensive damage to your home. The overhanging branches could also collect mounds of snow that could break and fall on your roof. The low-hanging branches could also scrape the roof and damage the shingles. Avoid the hassles of roof repair by nipping the problem right in the bud! Trim the tree branches a couple of times every year.
Regular Inspection
Do not wait until water damage makes its way into your home via leaky ceiling before you do something about it. Every summer or fall season; inspect your roof for leaks, curling or lifting shingles, and fungal growth. Make the necessary repairs to keep your roof damage-free. And after a storm, it pays to do another round of inspection to check for damage. Ideally, you want the roof to be inspected by a professional at least once a year.
Insulate your attic
To maintain the integrity of your roof, keep your attic insulated. When the attic is properly insulated, it inhibits the formation of ice dams. Know that when the temperature rises, the attic will heat up along with the roof. This causes the snow to melt. And when the temperature drops down, the melted snow will refreeze again. When this happens, ice dams will start to form. Keeping your attic insulated helps prevent snow from refreezing again.
To insulate the attic, seal any openings so heat will not escape from your home. If your attic is not insulated, you can install foam insulation and weather stripping to the drywall or plywood of the attic.
Keep your attic well ventilated helps reduce the formation of ice dams too. A well-ventilated attic protects the interiors of the space from moisture, decay, and fungi. If a large amount of snow fell on your roof, always rake it off. Just make sure to rake the snow off gently to avoid damaging the roof and shingles. Raking the roof too hard could also damage the protective surface of the shingles, paving the way for rust and decay to set in.