You can seek shelter from severe weather by heading inside. However, your roof experiences heavy winds, rain, and hail head-on. Find out how to prep your roof before a major storm so you can minimize damage and protect your structure.
Prepare for All Types of Storm Damage
It only takes one powerful weather event to compromise your roofing system’s integrity. Mother Nature can wreak havoc on structures in many ways, including:
Standing water: Torrential rain might not be able to flow through your gutter system properly. This results in standing water at the base of your rooftop, which could leak into your home.
Wind damage: Forceful wind gusts could blow shingles out of place and expose the protective underlayment.
Hail damage: The powerful impact of hailstones hitting your home can dent materials and weaken the roof’s structural integrity.
In some cases, debris like tree branches or loose furniture can puncture the roofing system. That’s why knowing how to prep your roof before a major storm is vital.
The Ideal Pre-Storm Homeowner Checklist for Protecting Roofs
You can’t control Mother Nature, but you can help shield your rooftop from destruction. Experts recommend taking the following steps to prevent storm damage so your roof remains strong and sturdy.
1. Clear Debris
Don’t ignore twigs, leaves, or other debris atop your home. A strong breeze could blow these items into your gutters and clog them, leaving you with an increased risk of standing water. There’s no guarantee that the debris will eventually blow away, either.
Leaving it as-is could cause a buildup of moisture on your roofing materials and potentially grow mold. Have a contractor safely remove all of the debris from the area for peace of mind.
2. Clean Your Gutters
Ask an expert how to prep your roof before a major storm and they’ll tell you to clean your gutters and downspouts. Any debris within these channels restricts the flow of water. As a result, it could pool at the base of your rooftop or spill over the edge of the gutter.
3. Trim Low-Hanging Tree Branches
The last thing you want is a massive tree branch to fall on your roof during a storm. Avoid this by cutting any low-hanging limbs around your property. Maintain at least six feet of clearance between tree branches and your rooftop so they don’t scrape any shingles while swaying in the wind.
4. Secure Loose Shingles
It’s in your best interest to schedule a roof inspection before seasonal storms ramp up. Professionals will check the structure’s integrity and make the necessary adjustments for long-term protection.
Inspectors often have to nail loose shingles so they won’t blow off in severe weather. Additional reinforcement of the exposed surface ultimately safeguards your home.
5. Inspect Flashing
Is heavy rain in the forecast? If you want to know how to prep your roof before a major storm, take a look at your flashing. These metal sheets prevent water intrusion in vulnerable sections of the roof, including:
Around chimneys
Near skylights
Along vent pipes
If you notice any loose or missing flashing, prioritize sealing these areas. You never want severe weather to hit without stable flashings in place. Rotting and dangerous leaks could occur as a result.
6. Document the Structure’s Current Condition
Your insurance company will likely cover the cost of roof repairs in the worst-case scenario. Providers need to document the storm damage and confirm that your roof had no pre-existing problems.
Experts recommend taking photos of your roof as part of your pre-storm prep. You’ll have sufficient evidence of the structure’s appearance before incurring weather damage and to support your insurance claim.
It’s also wise to ask for a detailed report following a roof inspection. Professionals can attest to your home’s condition and serve as an extra resource during the claims process.
Protect Your Home With Brava Roof Tile
Knowing how to prep your roof before a major storm can save you money and headaches. Prevent a major restoration project by following the tips in this guide and using Brava Roof Tile products for greater protection. Give us a call at (844) 290-4196 or submit our online form to request a free estimate.
