How to Protect your Roof From a Storm

Weather in the Mid-South is unpredictable to say the very least. You never know when a sunny morning will turn into an evening of severe thunderstorms. But if you know how to protect your roof from storm damage, you can rest easy when the weather turns sour. Pinnacle Roofing knows that you can never be too wary when it comes to protecting your home or business, and after experiencing some of the worst weather the Mid-South has seen in years, it has never been more essential to be prepared for the worst. With the temperamental weather we have in the Mid-South, storms can sometimes sneak up on you. However, that does not mean you cannot take precautions to make sure your roof is in good shape and ready to handle whatever the weather may bring. If you know how to protect your roof from storm damage and you put that knowledge to use, you can keep your home and family safe, and avoid the stress and expense of dealing with avoidable roof damage. Here are a few ways you can protect your roof from storm damage!

Inspect Your Roof

This may seem obvious, but it is important: inspect your roof regularly. Most homeowners go way too long between inspections, and minor issues can add up quickly. Do not forget that your roof is up there and that it needs your help to keep your family safe. Make sure your roofing is solid and not in need of repair, and check the interior walls and ceilings for signs of leaking or staining. It is also a good idea to check the outside walls for leaks, stains, cracks, and any other impairments.

Check Exterior Walls

It is important to check your exterior walls for any leaks, stains, or cracks to prevent any potential leaks. Any cracks or other openings should be treated as soon as possible with the correct sealant to make sure your building is protected.

Check Interior Walls

We recommend checking your interior walls in the warmer months, this way the weather can help you identify any areas that could be affected by any leakage— it is more difficult to see any damage when the roof is covered in snow and ice. This gives you plenty of time to seal as many roof leaks and cracks as possible.

Check And Clear All Gutters

Once you have checked your exterior and interior walls, you should check and clear all gutters— just from the ground floor you can do a visual check to see if any foliage has grown in or around the gutter and downspouts. Blocked guttering can lead to water not flowing away from the roof and walls as it is meant to, resulting in roof failure.

Keep Your Roof Clean

Roofs are at risk for caving in when they are forced to carry a heavier load than they can handle. Accumulated water, snow, and ice are tall orders for any roof. You can lessen the load by keeping your roof clean. Remove any debris, such as leaves and tree limbs, and pay special attention to your gutters. To keep precipitation from adding up, you need to make sure it can be drained quickly. If the gutters are clogged and not working properly, you are putting them at a disadvantage. There are many different types of roofs with varying strengths and weaknesses, but they will all be better off if you reduce the weight they carry as much as you can.

Check The Roof Deck

To prevent storm damage on your roof, you need to check your roof deck and fascia for any signs of deterioration. Inspect expansion joints for signs of excessive movement and cracks, as bad weather will have an effect on loose mortar and building materials.

Quickly Assess and Repair Damage

Even when you are as prepared as you can be, the weather may take its toll. When this happens, the best thing you can do is act quickly. As soon as it is safe to do so, get up on the roof and inspect the damage. Clear any debris and check for signs of cracking, leaking, or any other damage. Once you know what the damage is, make a plan of action. If the damages are minor and you are equipped with the necessary tools, skills, and know-how, you may be able to handle the situation yourself. If not, you will need to call the professionals here at Pinnacle Roofing for help.

Have A Maintenance Budget

Being prepared is one of the best pieces of advice. A well-maintained roof is a safe one, and a longer living one. A budget now could save you big bucks you were not planning on spending later. Set a yearly budget for roof inspections and minor repairs. Most contractors, and Pinnacle Roofing, suggest getting your roof inspected at least twice a year. Make sure the budget includes possible repairs.

Call A Professional

Carrying out regular checks will help prevent any damage to your roof following a storm, and a professional roof technician from Pinnacle Roofing will be able to identify damaged areas in advance. A properly maintained roof is necessary to protect your home or business. Our inspectors do not just respond quickly, they make it a priority to show up and inspect your roof quickly too. We feel our staff is the absolute best in the business and think you will feel the same way. Do not hesitate to call if you need help or have questions about how to maintain a healthy commercial roof.

We use reliable, skilled and experienced tradespeople that are qualified roofers, and they are just a phone call away. If you need a fast response to maintenance work, our reactive maintenance team can be relied upon to resolve the problem both quickly and efficiently. You can save yourself quite a bit of trouble by knowing how to protect your roof from storm damage. But even when you do everything right, sometimes things do not go your way. Should you need help, the professionals here at Pinnacle Roofing are happy to assist you with any and all of your roofing needs. Feel free to check out the many services we provide or contact us for a free quote!