To keep your home safe, you need to keep your roof from getting damaged by storms. The roof is often the first line of defense against bad weather. By being cautious, you can keep your home safe during storms and avoid having to pay for expensive repairs. To keep your roof safe from damage during storms, do the following:
First, roof repair needs to be done regularly. At least twice a year and after big rains, check your roof. Check for missing or broken shingles, cracked tiles, and signs of normal wear and tear. If you see any damage, get it fixed right away to stop leaks or other problems with the structure. To keep water out, make sure the flashing around pipes, skylights, and vents is tight and in good shape.
Cutting back trees near your roof is another important thing you can do to keep it safe. Branches that hang over your roof can break off in strong winds and hit your roof, doing a lot of damage. For this reason, cut back any branches that are too close to your house and get rid of any weak or dead trees that could fall over in a storm.
A more thorough but effective way to protect your home from storms is to reinforce your roof. You might want to place roof straps or hurricane clips, which hold the roof more tightly to the walls of your home, depending on where you live and the types of storms you usually have. This can keep your roof from blowing off in strong winds, especially in places that are prone to hurricanes. You can make your roof even stronger against wind and debris by adding more fasteners or switching to materials that don't break easily.
Another important thing to do is to keep your gutters and drains clean and working. Water can back up and run under the edge of your roof if your gutters are clogged. This can damage your roof. Make sure the gutters are free of things like leaves and sticks, and fix any parts that are sagging or broken. If it rains a lot, this will help water move away from your roof and floor.
People who live in places where hail or windstorms are common can get extra safety by installing storm-resistant roofing materials. During bad weather, metal roofs, shingles that don't break easily, or tiles that can withstand high winds can help keep damage to a minimum. These products might cost more at first, but they will save you a lot of money in repairs over time.
Lastly, make sure you have the right kind of protection to cover damage from storms. Check your coverage to make sure it covers damage from wind and hail. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you might also want to add flood insurance.
Your home will be safer from storm damage if you keep your roof in good shape and reinforce it as needed.