Hurricane season is here, and for many coastal residents, that means it’s time to think about strengthen your roof. If you live in a high-risk area prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, you know how important it is to have a strong roof. The last thing you want is for the next big storm to take off the roof of your home or business. A strong roof protects your home from water intrusion and other damage that can put your property at risk of rot, mold, insect infestation, and much more. It also protects the framing structure of your home. A weak or damaged roof creates openings where moisture can seep into the walls or ceiling below. These openings are perfect places for pests to find shelter.
If you’re not sure if your roof needs an upgrade before hurricane season hits, check out our 9 tips below to strengthen your roof.
Check for leaks
Checking for leaks is the simplest way to know if your roof is in good condition. While you may not be able to see leaks, you may hear them. Sloshing sounds from standing water can indicate a leak in your roof. Your best bet for locating the source of a leak is to use a stethoscope or a simple bucket of water.
Stethoscopes are great for listening to the sounds of water inside your walls where you can’t see it, but a bucket of water is great for visual confirmation. Pour the water on your roof and look for drips inside your home. If leaks are present, you might be able to fix the problem yourself. Make sure to find the source of the leak before deciding to repair or replace your roof.
Watch for cracks
Cracks in your roof aren’t always a sign that it needs to be replaced. They’re a sign that it’s getting old. But still, they’re a danger. Cracks in your roof can damage the surrounding framing. They can also be an entrance for pests. Cracks that are wider than a half-inch should be patched. If you can’t patch them, you may need to replace the entire roof.
Know your roof type
Knowing your roof type will help you decide how to take care of it. Asphalt shingles are common in many areas and are a great starter roof. They’re affordable and easy to maintain. They’re also easily recyclable.
Metal roofs like aluminum and copper are great for coastal areas. They’re lightweight, making them easy to install. They’re also durable. However, they can get extremely hot in the sun, so they aren’t great for areas without much sun.
Fiber roofs are another option that is great for high-temperature areas. Synthetic grass or fiber is woven into an asphalt shingle-type material. It’s lightweight and easy to install. However, it does cost more than an asphalt shingle roof.
Look for discoloration
Roofs discolor as they age and usually do so in a pattern. If you notice that your roof is discolored in a way that doesn’t match the rest of the roof, you may need to replace it.
Examine your roof’s slope
The slope of your roof matters. The steeper the roof, the more likely it is to break free in a heavy storm. A slope of less than 3/12 is too steep and isn’t safe. If your roof is too steep, you may need to replace it.
Confirm the quality of your roofing materials
Any materials that are more than 10 years old are most likely cheaper than the materials used today. Cheaper materials are more likely to fail under stress. If you have cheap materials on your roof, they may need to be replaced.
Get an inspection from a roofer
An inspection from a trained professional is the best way to know what condition your roof is in. If you are in Round Rock roofing contractors can help you look for signs of damage or wear on your home’s roof shingles. If they find issues with your roof, they can let you know what the best course of action is. They can even help you get a free roof assessment if you’re low-income.
Don’t forget about drainage holes and skylights
Your roof isn’t just the surface that shields your home from the elements. Other components play a vital role. Skylights, exhaust fans, and other types of roof penetrations need to be properly sealed to avoid water damage. Make sure to check the condition of all of these components. If you have roof-mounted skylights, make sure they’re closed before the next storm comes.
Reinforce before the storm
If you notice any signs of weakness in your roof, it’s best to fix it before the next storm comes. If your roof is in good condition but you’re worried about a storm’s impact, consider installing storm shutters to protect your windows. If you’ve known your roof was on its last leg, now is the time to replace it. The last thing you want is to be scrambling to find a roofer before the next big storm hits. Reinforce your roof before the storm.
Conclusion
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects your home from water damage, as well as keeps it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Before the next big storm hits, check your roof to see if it needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon for people to ignore their roofs until it’s too late. If you’ve been putting off replacing your roof, now is the time to act. Don’t let the next hurricane catch you off guard.
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