Some people work as roofers for a summer or two. Others become lifelong devotees to the profession. Those who commit to roofing as a long-time profession really take the time to learn the details. Not only do they learn how to put roofs in place, but they also learn quite a lot about various roofing materials. This equips them to make good recommendations to homeowners who are looking for the right roof. We will also make some recommendations and tell you a bit more about roofers on this blog. While we are not roofers ourselves, we know a lot about the profession and are always happy to share.
When a hurricane strikes, the two elements that cause the most destruction to your roof are rain and wind. Therefore, if you have an older roof, the powerful wind and unrelenting rain can cause severe damage, especially if it has cracks or small holes. To prevent roof damage before a hurricane strikes, you should employ the services of an experienced roofer. Here are some of the things a roofing contractor will do to protect your roof from hurricane damage.
1. Trim oversized trees and tree branches
Before the hurricane season starts, you should contact a professional to inspect any oversized trees and tree branches then trim them if necessary. If you fail to take this vital step, weak branches can be blown off during a hurricane resulting in greater damage to your roof.
2. Keep your drains and gutters clean
Hurricanes are associated with large amounts of rainfall. Therefore, if there's no proper way to dispose of water, it can get into your home if there are vulnerabilities in your roof. So, get in touch with a roofer as soon as possible to inspect your drains and gutters and ensure that they're free of debris to allow water to flow freely.
3. Fit hurricane straps in your roof
Roof tie-downs, also referred to as hurricane straps, are connectors used to strengthen wood-framed roofs. These straps are a requirement in building codes, especially in areas prone to hurricanes. However, if you're living in an older house, there's a chance that they don't have straps installed. In preparation for a storm, a roofer can install roof tie-downs to prevent wind damage.
4. Reinforce your roof flashing
Your roof flashing is the first layer of defense against leaks. So, before hurricane season, contact a roofing contractor to inspect your roof for any gaps or signs of decay in your flashing. In case of any damage, they will either reseal or replace the flashing to prevent storm damage.
5. Fix any missing or loose shingles
Loose or missing shingles can cause severe water damage to your home if not properly fixed before a hurricane strikes. A professional roofing contractor can check and fix loose or missing shingles, ensuring that water doesn't penetrate your roof following a hurricane.
Even if you're confident that your roof can stand the test of time, it may not withstand high winds during hurricane season. Therefore, you must take a proactive approach and contact a roofer to secure your roof against storm damage.