Braving Severe Weather and Protecting Your Home

Hurricane Season is from June 1 - November 30th, with the peak season in August and September. Hurricanes and other severe weather can cause major damage to your roof, but there are ways you can prepare and protect your home from major damage. Here are five ways to brave severe weather and protect your home.

Check the Flashing

Flashing prevents water from seeping in through seams or joints of your roof, causing damage like rotting wood or leaks. You may see it around angled parts of your roof, like the chimney, pipes, or any skylights. While it looks sturdy, flashing can and does deteriorate over time. Hail and wind are major culprits of damage to flashing. You can visually check from outside the home, or inside the attic. If you're inspecting inside, look for moist or moldy areas where the flashing would be. If you see anything unusual, call a professional to repair or replace the flashing.

Boost Roof Stability

Strong winds can pull material off of any roof, but especially gable roofs. Winds can also get underneath the eaves of the roof and cause the roof to be dislodged from the walls. Roofers improve stability by reinforcing the roof with braces, and wood beams in the rafters. While roofers are in the attic, it's also good to inspect ventilation patterns in the attic so air pressure doesn't cause damage during severe winds.

Examine the Shingles

Have you seen loose or damaged shingles on your roof? If so, contact a roofing professional to inspect your roof. Many companies, like Sanders & Sanders, do this for free! It's dangerous to walk on your roof, so it's very important that professionals inspect your roof. A professional will be able to make proper recommendations, like installing some impact resistant materials, which are more durable against hail and wind. If your entire roof needs to be replaced, consider a longer-lasting metal roof, which is more weather resistant than asphalt shingles.

Weatherproof the Yard

If you have heavy lawn furniture, consider putting them in storage before a sever storm rolls in. Also, if there are large unstable trees and branches around your home, they should be looked at before a storm comes in. Trees can be a considerable threat during sever weather. We do not recommend DIY tree removal and branch cutting, as this can be very dangerous. Always call a professional for these types of services.

Insurance and Claims

Calling your home insurance provider to find out what is and isn't covered in your policy is a great preventative measure in preparing for severe storms. Sometimes there are factors involved with your coverage, like age of roof, location, and whether or not regular inspection and maintenance has been performed. While filing a claim, it's important to take before and after pictures of your roof and property. Documentation is your best friends when filing insurance claims. Preparation today can prevent painful consequence later.

Sanders & Sanders is happy to help you with estimates, installation and customized help during the event of an insurance claim.