A strong and secure roof not only safeguards your family and belongings from harm; it also gives you peace of mind. Preparing your roof for storm season, especially if you live in a hurricane-prone area or a region that experiences heavy rains and high winds, is crucial to protect your home and prevent costly damage that may require a roof repair or an entire roof replacement if the damages are severe.
Though Tennessee may not face the intensity of hurricanes, it is still considerably vulnerable to hail, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, strong thunderstorms, and occasional winter storms. So it’s always advisable to make necessary inspections to find any issue that may worsen when the harsh weather hits.
7 Essential Tips For Preparing Your Roof Before a Storm
If you live in Knoxville, TN, experiencing high winds and heavy rains during storm season is highly possible. To prevent severe damage, you must ensure your roof is ready to withstand the harsh weather. To help you, our professional roofing contractors at Daniel Hood Roofing offer top tips on how best to prepare your roof to keep your home protected.
Tip #1: Conduct an Inspection and Repair Any Damage
Start by thoroughly inspecting your roof for any visible signs of damage, such as cracked or missing shingles, loose flashing, or damaged gutters. Repair or replace damaged shingles as soon as they appear, secure loose flashing, and fix water leaks promptly to prevent them from worsening when the storm hits.
If you notice any sagging or areas where the roof feels soft, it could indicate structural issues that may require professional help. Consult with a certified roofing professional in your area to know the appropriate action to take.
Tip #2: Reinforce Vulnerable Areas
Knoxville is no stranger to high winds or tornadoes, which are known to cause severe damage to roofs. So it’s important to choose roofing materials that can withstand the high winds in Knoxville. To reduce the risk of your roof being torn off during high winds, strengthen the edges by installing metal drip edges or applying roofing cement along its eaves—this will help prevent wind uplift and water penetration into the structure.
Moreover, installing gable-end bracing can strengthen and stabilize the triangular ends of your roof, decreasing risks during high winds.
Tip #3: Enhance Roof-to-Wall Connections
To ensure the roof is securely fastened to the walls, inspect its metal connectors or hurricane straps and reinforce or replace any weak or corroded anchors to enhance structural stability. Consider installing metal hurricane clips or straps to strengthen connections between roof framing and walls for additional support against strong winds. This provides extra support in times of severe storms.
Tip #4: Trim Overhanging Branches and Clean Debris
Ensure any loose branches, leaves, or debris collected on your roof is cleared away before storms approach. Overhanging branches near the roof can become a potential hazard during storms so it’s important to trim them before they could puncture or damage the roof when they crash onto it during high winds.
Additionally, high winds and heavy rainfall can blow debris onto your roof, which can clog gutters and prevent rainwater from draining properly. Water pooling on your roof can cause leaks and damage your siding.
Tip #5: Apply a Protective Roof Sealant
Flashings and seals around your vents, skylights, chimneys, and valleys may become vulnerable to leaks during storms. Look for signs of wear and tear such as cracked or missing caulk, and immediately reseal them. A fresh layer of weatherproof sealant around flashings, joints, and seams will effectively prevent water from seeping under shingles during heavy rain. A high-quality roof sealant can provide an additional layer of protection and extend the lifespan of your roof.
Tip #6: Read the Fine Prints of Your Insurance Coverage
Review your home insurance policy thoroughly to ensure your roof is adequately covered under the specified terms, especially for roof damage from high winds, hail, or fallen trees. Having comprehensive coverage is advisable because roof damage can be expensive to repair. Keep documentation of your roof’s condition after a storm to support any insurance claim you may need to file.
Tip #7: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
It’s always a good idea to turn to the professionals for roof inspections. While DIY inspections are helpful, licensed roofing contractors can spot hidden issues that you may have overlooked and recommend more appropriate repairs according to the roofing materials you have. A professional can perform a more detailed inspection and offer preventative repairs to avoid minor issues from becoming major problems when the storm hits.
Weather the storm with a Trusted Roofing Company in Knoxville, TN
Preparing your roof as storm season approaches is a top priority. By taking the necessary steps to prepare your roof for storm season, including conducting an inspection, reinforcing vulnerable areas, and making prompt repairs where needed, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage and keep your home safe. For professional roof repairs or expert guidance in Knoxville, TN, you can reach out to Daniel Hood Roofing. We offer fast and reliable roofing services with superior craftsmanship and high-quality roofing materials.
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Every house owner must know how to prepare his roof for bad weather. Thank you for sharing an amazing blog in this scenario. Last year, I had very bad hailstorm that made my roof leaky, but I couldn’t find the leaky source. Then, I hired a professional roofer. Unfortunately, he also couldn’t find it. I was worried. Then, my friend suggested that I coat my entire roof with DIY EPDM liquid butyl rubber and thanks to this amazing product as it made my roof extremely waterproof, airtight and seamless with just its single coating. Liquid EPDM is an ASTM certified product that can withstand ponding water 365 days a year making the roof waterproof in heavy rainfall and hailstorms.