Together with the global temperature rising and shifting annual, we have been seeing a rise in severe storms alongside warmer climates and erratic rainfall. The frequency and scale of these huge storms is unprecedented, as is the harm they have been leaving behind. While Canada may not have the dangers of hurricanes and tsunamis how southern and tropical regions do, we are not resistant to strong winds, heavy rain and other weather hazards. Homeowners might want to be certain they are ready when it comes to Mother Nature, and luckily, there are a lot of manageable and cost-effective ways you can safeguard your house and roof, with a small amount of foresight. Here is how you can storm-proof your roof in case there’s a severe storm.
Trim Down Your Trees:
While not something to be done in preparation for a storm, trimming your trees is a great practice to care on the routine. Trees have always been among the greatest threats to homeowners, as their looming height and weight can cause irreparable damage to your roof . In case of an oncoming storm, this threat multiples. Trees with branches which are hanging low and close to your home is what you would like to target, as falling limbs may cause windows to break and roofs to cave in. Long branches behave like whips in harsh winds, so keeping them at least six feet away from your house is in best practice.
Trees are also quite vulnerable to rotting and disorder, particularly from the inside. You may not notice it, but through a storm, these dead branches can readily snap and damage your roof . This sort of destruction can result in severe water leakage in your house, electrical problems, as well as bodily harm to anyone who may be in the tree’s falling path. If your trees are too near your roof, they could form piles of the debris, leaving mounds of mulch in your rooftop.
Mulch is dense and keeps water , meaning it may cause the shingles under it to rust and deteriorate, a significant cause for roof repair. Keeping your trees in great form and away from the roof is among the most recommended tips in regards to storm-proofing.
Clean Out Your Gutters:
Probably among the most loathsome chores of homeowners is cleaning out the gutters . Often overlooked or put gutters can easily and quickly get clogged over the course of the year. As a result of this, it’s of utmost importance to make sure your gutters are clear and devoid of leaves and debris. Gutters are crucial drainage systems to the exterior of a home, and in case of heavy rain and storming, this drainage system has to be working in top order.
First check your gutters, and then proceed to all of the spouts and water flow regions. The identical mulch that may accumulate in your rooftop is quite often found in gutters. This mulch is thick and moist, so removing it’ll ensure extra water can flow through.
Spot Check Your Roof:
Grab a pair of binoculars or if accessible and safe, use a ladder. Do a minor spot check to be certain all shingles are properly nailed down, check for broken or missing shingles, check for rust and erosion, curling or buckling shingles, cracked or worn boots around the pipes, or an inordinate quantity of shingle granule build-up on your gutters — a sign your shingles might be on their way out. Your roof is the first priority when it comes to storms, so hiring a professional to perform a comprehensive check may be a fantastic idea.
Check for Leaks:
It is simple to check for leaks on your roof yourself. This really is the simplest way to find roof leaks.
You might even hire a professional, or with any help, have a garden home up to a roof and operate a minimal flow onto the shingles. Have your helper remain within the home to check whether any water leakage seems like you soak that region of the roof. This will immediately indicate to you where the flow is, if there’s one.
Secure Doors and Windows:
During an extreme storm, even a window breaking is much more than simply damage to the glass. A broken window could radically increase the pressure within the home, allowing the roof to behave like a giant parachute.
This can be regrettable by making sure all windows and doors are tightly fastened and secured in any way times throughout the storm. Tying down anything which may fly off (patio furniture, toysand pool accessories) can help in ensuring nothing could unexpectedly smash in the window.
Be prepared this season by applying these suggestions to storm-proof your roofing and house!
