The roof protects the rest of the house, including the people living in it, from strong winds and heavy rain during typhoons. However, it doesn’t just protect everything during severe weather conditions, but also in the day-to-day heat, wind, and rain.
Unfortunately, the daily weather conditions can also affect the quality of the roof, which can sometimes be the reason why it’s not as sturdy as expected. First, it's essential to be aware of how weather conditions affect the quality of your roof.
In this article, we’ll discuss some tips on how to protect your roof during heavy rain and wind.
1. Check Your Roof Regularly
One of the things that can help you identify the quality of your roof is to inspect it regularly. Although it’s recommended to do it even on regular days, it’s significantly important before or after the typhoon season.
So, when observing your roof, you can look for cracked flashing, missing or damaged shingles, sagging areas, and other minor issues. These issues should be addressed promptly, so they won’t become a larger problem in the future.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Cleaning the gutters and downspouts regularly is essential to prevent them from rotting. If the gutters and downspouts are always clogged, they can rot or rust easily. So, once in a while, check them for branches, leaves, and debris. In addition, monitor if everything is in place or properly attached.
If you can check the gutters and downspouts as often as possible, you can help ensure that these parts of the roof are all in good condition. Meanwhile, if you just let your gutters be clogged most of the time, you can face a bigger problem in the future.
3. Remove or Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Although trees provide a lot of benefits, they can also pose serious risks during typhoon season. So, before the typhoon hits your area, check all the trees around you, and see if branches are hanging over. If there are, take some time to trim them; if possible, remove the whole branch that’s hanging.
Meanwhile, keep in mind that there are instances when the weak tree branches are too heavy, so you might need to call for professional assistance.
4. Secure Loose Shingles and Flashing
If you notice some loose shingles and flashing, take some time to fix them before the strong wind and rain come. Although there are sealants that can secure shingles, you can still call for a professional roofer to do it for you. Besides, as a non-expert, you might not be able to have a clear assessment of the roof, so it’s best to let the experts handle it.
It’s best to handle these things even if there aren’t signs of heavy rains or typhoons, so that you won’t have to worry once it happens.
5. Check the Attic for Leaks
In some cases, especially when the water doesn’t get through the ceiling right away, you’re left with a damp attic or the space between the roof and the ceiling. So, once the rain comes down, always take a moment to check the attic for leaks.
But even before the heavy rains start, you can also check the attic and see if the sunlight can pass through. If it does, it means the roof has holes.
6. Install a Roof Tarp as a Temporary Fix
If you didn’t have time to check the roof before the rain starts to pour, and there is damage already, you can fix it immediately by putting a huge tarp that can cover the holes on your roof. Ensure that the tarp is properly installed by tying it on strong poles or anywhere that you can guarantee it will stay throughout the storm, typhoon, and strong winds.
Once the rain has passed, and the roof is already dry, you can add sealants to quickly fix the affected areas. However, this is just another temporary way to address the problem, and it’s best to consult custom home builders or roofers.
7. Regular Professional Roof Inspection
Even if there is no visible damage on your roof, scheduling a professional inspection is a must. The best time to schedule a roof inspection is before the storm season comes. In doing so, you can be aware of the hidden vulnerabilities, have the weak spots fixed, get suggestions about the weatherproofing options, and improve the maintenance of the house.
Besides, regular home and roof inspections can give you ideas about the areas that need to be improved. And when you address them, you can ensure that the value of your property will appreciate.
8. Invest in Durable Materials
When you hire custom home builders to build your house in the first place, you can consult them about the durable materials they can use for your house. Besides, investing in high-quality, durable materials can significantly help you take care of a low-maintenance house. And if you encounter storms or other weather conditions, you won’t have to worry about losing your roof.
Final Thoughts
Although it’s impossible to control the weather, you can focus on ensuring that your roof can withstand whatever weather conditions your property experiences. By considering the tips listed in this article, you can be aware of the things you can do to protect your roof during heavy rains.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aliana Baraquio writes for Worthington Homes, the new Home Builder in Sydney, NSW, who makes major life milestones happen and stays with you through thick and thin. You can also find her trying out new recipes for barbeque and other grilled meals in her free time.
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