Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season: Essential Roof Maintenance Checklist
Hurricane season is here and ensuring that your roof is prepared to withstand strong storms is critical to the safety of your family and home. We all know to prepare an emergency supply kit with non-perishable food, water, batteries, and other essentials, but inspecting our roof can be overlooked.
It’s not too late to make your preparations and preparing now makes it easier to get your roof inspected to identify any compromised or problematic areas prior to peak storm season. A simple inspection could mean the difference between a small repair now and a larger repair later. Here is a roof maintenance checklist that will ensure that your home is ready for the upcoming hurricane season.
Trim branches that could fall onto your roof
Dead branches and overhanging trees over your roof can pose a risk during a hurricane. High winds and significant rain fall can break tree limbs causing them to fall on your roof. Trimming dead or damaged branches that overhang buildings and homes can reduce the risk of damage during a storm. A good rule of thumb is for branches to be at least ten feet away from your roof.
Clean gutters and downspouts
When gutters and downspouts are damaged or clogged, they can cause water to back up and damage your walls and roofs. Cleaning them out prior to storm season ensures proper drainage to reduce the risk of water damage during a hurricane. Be sure to remove any leaves, twigs, and other debris from the gutters and consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris from accumulating. Go one extra step and make sure that the gutters are properly secured to the house and properly aligned to ensure steady water flow.
Inspect for any missing or creased shingles
Be sure to inspect your roof for any obvious damage, including missing or creased shingles. These allow water to enter which can lead to leaks, mold growth, and structural damage. Check for visible wear and tear of the shingles including signs of aging and granule loss. If in doubt, call a professional roofing contractor to inspect and repair your roof before it becomes a major issue.
Check all roof-to-wall areas and chimneys for intact flashing
Having properly installed and working flashing around roof-to-wall joints and chimneys is essential to direct water away from a building and prevent water leaks. Over time, especially when exposed to the elements, this flashing can rust or become loose. Be sure to inspect for any loose, missing, or rusted flashing and repair or replace them. Applying a protective coating after these repairs helps to prevent any further rust buildup and extend the lifespan of the flashing.
Check seal roof penetrations
Chimneys, vents, and skylights can be potential water entry points if they are not properly sealed. Ensure that all penetrations have no gaps in the sealants and reapply caulking if needed. Be sure to invest in high-quality and weather-resistant sealants to ensure the longevity of the seal.
Schedule a professional roof inspection
DIY inspections and maintenance is beneficial, but having your roof professionally inspected can help to identify issues that may have been overlooked. Every roofing system is different, and repairs (no matter how minor) are better left to the professionals like the team over at NEXGEN Restoration & Roofing.
Preparing for hurricane season can be overwhelming and require a high attention to detail. However, by following this list, you can ensure that your roof will help your home withstand severe weather, protecting your family. Remember, being hurricane prepared means being ready before a storm is looming.
Ready to ensure your roof is hurricane ready? Reach out to our team at NEXGEN Restoration & Roofing today to schedule an inspection and stay ahead of any storm that may head our way!
