When a big storm rolls into the area, the quality of your roof will have an undeniable impact on how much your home is protected from these harsh weather conditions. Not only do you need to invest in a good roof, but make sure that you are putting in the effort to prepare roof for extreme weather. These efforts are essential before hurricanes, heavy rain, freezing temperatures, and high winds.
The harsh reality is that failing to keep up with roof maintenance for extreme weather could lead to expensive problems in the future. You might be dealing with common issues such as leaks and structural problems, which can cost a lot of money to repair. Ongoing roof maintenance is much more affordable and effective to keep your roof in the best condition possible so that it can withstand weather conditions throughout the year.
Why Roof Preparation Matters Before Extreme Weather
Weatherproofing your roof is one of the essential steps that should be followed to ensure that your home is protected through all of the changing weather conditions that can happen throughout the year. Our team at Infinite Roofing is here to help with anything that you need. Here are some of the things that homeowners should keep in mind about different types of weather conditions:
- High Wind and Hurricanes: The strength of the wind can rip shingles off your roof or cause trees to fall and damage the roof. If the wind is strong enough, it can even lead to structural damage. Additionally, the missing shingles will increase the risk of roof leaks that cause damage inside your home.
- Heavy Rain: Unmanaged water poses a serious threat to your home because it can weaken the roof and lead to water damage. Not only does the water leak through the roof, but it can also impact your ceiling and walls inside.
- Freezing and Ice: If water is pooling and the temperatures get cold enough to freeze, then ice dams can form. Ice is quite damaging and can cause cracks and damage to the roof, eventually leading to leaks and structural issues.
- Extreme Heat: In the hottest months of the year, the impact of the sun can lead to wear and tear on your roof. The UV rays can actually degrade roofing materials, which will shorten your roof’s lifespan.
The secret is that protecting your roof from storms with weatherproofing and ongoing maintenance is a great investment. Even though you will spend a bit of money upfront, it’s possible to reduce the likelihood of major issues in the future.
Best Practices to Prepare Roof for Extreme Weather
Here are some of the best things that you can do to protect your roof and avoid serious damage during extreme weather:
- Regular Inspections: Even if your roof seems to be in good condition, it’s smart to be proactive with regular inspections. Our team can come to your home and take a closer look at your home to see if there are any early indications of issues that need to be repaired. We are watching for common issues such as damaged shingles, cracks, flashing issues, leaks, sagging areas, and more.
- Gutter and Downspout Care: The quality of your gutters and downspouts has an undeniable impact on the roof overall. We can clean the gutters and make sure that the downspouts are flowing properly. If there is any debris or buildup, then we’ll get it out of the way to prevent roof flooding and water damage.
- Tree Trimming: One step for protecting roof from storms involves the surrounding conditions, especially if you have big trees in the area. We might recommend cutting back the branches that are at risk of falling on the house during a big storm.
- Reinforcements: Sometimes it makes sense to reinforce the roof structure so that it can withstand big storms. We might recommend weatherproofing your roof, as well as adding hurricane straps or metal bracing. Also, it’s a good idea to choose impact-resistant shingles.
- Sealing Gaps and Cracks: Anywhere a gap or crack is present needs to be sealed to prevent water from coming into your home. We’ll check and fix these issues around the flashing, chimneys, and vents. This waterproof sealant is effective for preventing leaks and reducing the risk of insulation loss.
- Attic Care: Did you know that the quality of your attic is essential for roof protection? We make sure that you have proper attic insulation because it helps to reduce the risk of energy loss and ice dams. Also, proper airflow is helpful for decreasing the likelihood of moisture buildup.
- Protective Features: Special features can be installed to help with the durability and quality of your roof. We might recommend gutter guards to keep debris out of the gutters and reduce the risk of accumulation that weighs down the gutters. Also, storm shutters can be helpful if you have any skylights or sections of the roof that are vulnerable.
FAQ About Roof Maintenance and Protection
Does my roof need any additional features to protect it in extreme weather?
Depending on the weather patterns in your location, we might recommend more secure flashing and impact-resistant materials.
Is it possible to prevent roof damage during a storm?
Yes, there are things we can do in advance to reduce the likelihood that your roof is damaged during a storm. We recommend regular inspections so that you can receive personalized recommendations for your home.
Call the Experts: Roof Maintenance for Extreme Weather
A bit of maintenance right now can go a long way to ensure that your home is protected in all weather conditions. We can help you have a storm-ready roof that will stay strong when the outside elements are changing throughout the year. Plus, these maintenance and upgrade projects will increase safety for your family.
It’s time to take action so that you can protect your investment. For more information about roof maintenance for extreme weather, we invite you to contact our skilled team. We’ll schedule a consultation and come to your home to discuss your needs.
At Infinite Roofing, we offer many types of exterior services, including roofing, solar installation, windows, gutters, and more. Contact us today for a free estimate and customized recommendations.