How to Prepare Your Roof for a Storm

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

From late spring through summer, it's not unusual to experience thunderstorms in your area. In fact, for some regions, these seasons bring some of the most severe thunderstorms, including hail, wind and flooding. Whether your area is prone to intense storms or not, you're going to experience some kind of severe weather conditions at some point, so it's better to be prepared at all times. When it comes to storm damage, although you can't prevent everything, by taking a few precautions you can help reduce the amount of damage that occurs. The following is a list of ways you can prepare your home for spring and summer storms:

1. Material: Know what kind of roofing you have ahead of time. Some materials are more resistant to hail and heavy winds then others, so discuss this with your contractor in advance if your area is known for experiencing severe storms.

2. Security: Routinely check your roof to see if there are any curled, loose, or missing shingles or tiles. Intense storms can often dislodge the materials, so make an effort to see how your roof is holding up, especially right before and after a storm. Make sure to repair or replace any damaged tiles as soon as possible.

3. Foliage: One of the most common, and often most dangerous, types of damage comes from falling trees and branches. If you notice any dead or hanging branches or limbs near your roof, have them removed quickly.

4. Siding: In addition to your roof, always check that your siding is in place before a storm. Loose, cracked, or broken siding can easily been torn off by heavy winds, leaving gaps in your homes exterior design.

5. Caulking/Weather Stripping: Inspect the exterior of your home to make sure that there are no spaces between windows or where your roof and siding meet. Any gaps or cracked caulking allow wind or rain to enter the home, so seal any areas that seem weak before a storm.

6. Gutters: Since heavy rain can cause flooding, it's important to make sure that your home's drainage system is working properly. Any excess leaves or branches can clog your gutters, impeding their ability to do their job. In addition to clogging, too much excess material can actually weigh down your gutters, causing them to break or collapse.

 At Phil's Main Roofing, we understand the importance of being prepared before a storm. That's why we offer repair and preventive maintenance programs that can help prepare your home or building for any storm. In addition to these programs, we are also available to inspect for storm, wind, or hail damage, and our experienced team of roofers can assist you with any repairs that may be necessary. For more information, contact us at 203-838-4545 today!