Although roof damage is more commonly associated with winter weather conditions, summer storms can wreak havoc with manmade materials and the structural integrity of a rooftop. Instead of having to deal with heavy snow, large hailstones, and icicles that put a strain on a home, your roof will have to endure and withstand the turbulent winds and torrential downpour of a summer storm. Just as much damage can occur during this time of the year, and as a result, you won’t be free from paying for costly repairs should any issues arise.
Fortunately, you won’t have to sit by idly as a summer storm harms your roof and costs you a fortune to repair; there are numerous roof damage preventative steps you can take in advance before any storms occur in your area. By following the right advice and taking measures to maintain your roof, you’ll be able to greatly mitigate the impact of a storm that would have otherwise threatened the livelihood of your family and put a large hole in your budget.
As the most reputable roofing company in Bensalem, PA, we want to advise residents on ways they can protect their rooftops from summer storms with four roof damage preventative steps that will make a difference. By implementing the tips below, homeowners can avoid costly damage from occurring as a result of stormy weather this summer and for years to come. To ensure your home and family are safe and secure during the summer months of the year, here are four essential steps for protecting the roof from summer storms.
Give Surrounding Trees a Trim
Spring and summer are periods of growth for many trees and plants, and the beautiful weather conditions encourage branches to extend upward toward the sunlight. Trees are a beautiful component of your landscaping and offer shade on a sunny day but can become a problem during a storm. Should one of their branches fall onto your rooftop, they can inflict structural damage, and the bigger they are, the more expensive the repairs will be.
Additionally, falling branches aren’t the only problem trees can cause. As they sway in the turbulent winds, they can potentially lift shingles up and off your roof. Furthermore, leaves that fall may cause damage by piling up or blocking up the guttering on your roof. Blocked guttering can lead to flooding, which can compromise roofing materials and leak through to homes, causing all kinds of damage to occur if left unchecked and unattended.
Performing maintenance on the foliage around your home is one of the many ways of protecting the roof from summer storms. To begin, inspect the trees around your home and take note of any that are within six feet. If there are trees close enough to fall onto your rooftop in a summer storm, they should be cut back appropriately to avoid damaging shingles and other parts of your home. You should also look out for dead or decaying branches, as they are more prone to breaking off during a storm. If you don’t have the necessary equipment or experience to trim the branches, call on a professional for assistance.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Another means of protecting the roof from summer storms is by thoroughly cleaning out the gutter on your home. Gutters and roof valleys are there to direct water off your rooftop and away from the foundation of your home to relieve pressure. However, if gutters become blocked, water will collect on your rooftop and potentially seep through to the attic area of your house. This water pooling can cause interior damage if left unchecked, and it can also be caused by uneven, dented, or damaged gutters that are unable to function properly, leading to the backup of rainwater on your roof.
Also, the weight of the collected water could cause gutters to break or tear away from a building, resulting in high repair costs that are easily avoided by taking the right preventative measures. As soon as the weather permits, thoroughly inspect your gutters and remove any branches, foliage, and debris that could cause a blockage. We recommend calling a professional roofing company instead of putting your safety at risk if your roof areas are high up and potentially dangerous.
Check Your Roof for Leaks
An essential step to protecting the roof from summer storms is to inspect your rooftop for any cracks, crevices, or leaks. Although some of these openings may be difficult to notice and may appear negligible if their size is too small, water is capable of sneaking into even the smallest of entryways. During a summer storm, increased water flow can cause minor roof leaks to expand into large holes, causing devastating consequences. Leaks are serious issues that can ultimately compromise the structural integrity of a rooftop. They can damage electrical devices, walls, insulation, and even the foundation of a property.
Therefore, before the summer storm season begins, it is imperative for you to ensure your roof is in peak condition so it can protect you and your family during a violent storm. We recommend calling a professional roofing company to both inspect and repair any minor leaks that are identified in your rooftop area. Professionals have the experience and knowledge needed to identify potential problems and leaks you might otherwise have missed during your own inspections.
Assess Any Damages After a Summer Storm
Even if you take all the necessary precautionary steps when protecting the roof from summer storms, you won’t be able to prevent turbulent weather from happening. As mentioned above, a damaged roof can cause a myriad of structural issues for your home. After a summer storm, inspect your roof to assess any damages that may have occurred. Look out for loose or fallen debris and listen for dripping or running water sounds. If the roof has been damaged, contact your home insurer and then contact us here at Union Roofing for immediate assistance.
Additionally, before the summer storm season approaches, it is a good idea to check your insurance policy ahead of time and familiarize yourself with what it covers. That way, should your home experience any structural damage, you’ll be prepared to start making a claim. Further, after the storm has ended and you and your family are safe from harm, take photos of the damage on your roof caused by the storm. These photos will serve as proof and can assist in the approval of your claim.
Reach Out to Union Roofing Today for Professional Assistance!
Do you have any further questions regarding summer storm preventative tips or need help during an unexpected roofing emergency? If the roof of your home experiences sudden damage and you need a 24-hour roofing company in an emergency, you can call on Union Roofing for assistance!
No matter if your roofing repair job is big or small, our expert roofing team can help you from Philadelphia, PA, to Wildwood, NJ, and everywhere in between! For more information or to schedule a repair or inspection with the best roofing contractors in Warminster, PA, click here. Contact Union Roofing today and give your roof the care it deserves!
