Your roof has many enemies, but bad weather is without a doubt one of its greatest. Thunderstorms, hailstorms, windstorms, snowstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes can cause incredible damage to your roof, especially if you're unprepared. To ensure that your roof remains in good condition and minimize the chance of a problem, later on, roof maintenance and repair are essential. Here are three things you should do to ensure your roof is prepared for the upcoming storm season.
Cut Back the Branches
If there are branches that are overhanging the roof, it is important to cut them back now before there is a chance of one of them breaking, falling, and causing extensive damage. If the branch is large enough, it could fall and pierce the roof, resulting in the need for costly repairs. So, make sure to keep your trees regularly trimmed so that they don't hang over the roof.
Clean Out the Gutters
Gutters, along with their drain spouts, are specifically designed to ensure that water is directed away from the property and foundation. Unfortunately, if the gutters become clogged with debris and a considerable rainstorm comes through, it could potentially cause considerable water damage. Additionally, if the gutters are full of leaves, branches, and other heavy materials, the weight may result in the gutters breaking off from the roof and falling, possibly taking a portion of the roof with them and causing significant damage. To decrease the possibility of requiring repairs, take the time to clean the gutters out twice per year at minimum and inspect the gutters every three or four months for signs of damage.
Get an Inspection Scheduled
At least a month before the bad weather is expected to begin, you should contact a residential roofing company for an inspection. Visible inspections from the ground can only reveal so much, assuming you are aware of what you are looking for. However, an inspector will be able to examine the roof from the roof itself and know exactly what signs indicate a problem. He or she will carefully assess the condition of the whole roof and inform you of any issues that he or she finds. If the inspector believes repairs are necessary, he or she will recommend the necessary repairs. You can work alongside the roofing company to get those repairs taken care of before the storms start rolling in.
For more information, contact a residential roofing contractor in your area.