Traditional roofing systems can take heavy storm damage from rain, strong winds, and hail– leaving the underlying roof deck exposed to the elements. The resulting leaks can cause mold, mildew, and interior damage that requires expensive home restoration repairs.
Not to mention, the average lifespan of traditional asphalt roofing materials is only about 12 to 20 years, and with exposure to inclement weather and pests, that number could be drastically reduced. That’s not to say that asphalt shingles aren’t an excellent option for many homeowners, but if you’re looking for extra durability, metal roofs can easily last up to 70 years.
Metal roofs are a great solution if your top goal is preventing storm damage because they are difficult to damage and more cost-effective than other roofing options since they don’t need to be replaced as frequently.
Metal roofing is also unique because it uses a special interlocking and overlapping technique that keeps the panels firmly in place and prevents wind-driven rain from getting through. This also reduces the chances of your home’s roofing system lifting. If you’re rebounding from storm damages or it’s just time for a roof replacement, switching to metal roofing can save you a lot of money down the road, especially in the Corinth area where we frequently experience high winds and hailstorms.
But if you’re not quite ready to make the switch to metal roofing, keep reading for First Out Roofing’s lesser-known tips to keep your roof safe during a storm.
Residential Roof Maintenance Prevents Storm Damage
Many homeowners overlook routine roof maintenance because they don’t truly understand how critical it is when trying to prevent roofs from collapsing, shingles from breaking, roof leaks from occurring, and preventing numerous other roofing issues from arising.
One of the top causes of roof damage during storms is water pooling on the rooftop. The water might not effectively drain off your roof for several reasons, but it could be as simple as clogged gutters or drains. Unfortunately, if that’s the case, the water could stay there too long, causing mold and mildew growth, damaging shingles or tiles, and weakening your roofing system. Minor freezing and temperature fluctuations can produce ice damming at the base of your roof too, stopping prompt drainage.
If left unchecked, these roofing issues could cause stored moisture to leak into the property, causing extensive interior damage.
Signs Your Home Needs Roof Repairs
If you start to notice ice, debris, or water collecting on your residential roof during or after a storm, call First Out Roofing for an inspection right away. If the debris is left on your roof too long, it could lead to wood rot, roof discoloration, mold, mildew, or worse. Should you start to notice water stains on your roof or an active leak, don’t hesitate to escalate your service request and ask for emergency roof repairs.
While First Out Roofing specializes in roof storm damage repairs, we will prioritize any roof repairs you call us for as a prompt fix is crucial to preventing termites, tree limbs, hailstones, tree roots, fungi, algae, mold, debris, and more from further damaging your roofing system.
Storm Damage Prevention Is Better Than Storm Damage Repairs
During a storm, there are a variety of strategies to protect your roof from damage, some of which are simple to implement yourself. Others, you may rather leave to the professionals at First Out Roofing. To stormproof your roof, you can seal any cracks or gaps with caulk, ask a local roofing contractor to waterproof your roof, clean your cutters, hood your chimney, conduct visual shingle inspections from the ground and call a roofer if you notice any issues.
Some additional things you can do to reinforce your roof against the elements include:
#1: Place Protective Plywood Or Other Material On Your Roof
Asphalt shingles are a popular and cost-effective roofing material. Unfortunately, they are prone to fractures and splits, resulting in burdensome leaks during storms. To stop high winds and rain from damaging your asphalt shingles and forcing you to replace them, place plywood over the shingles before a big storm for an additional layer of protection. If done correctly, this roof protection solution should also be waterproof.
#2: Cut Down Trees Around Your Home
Trees and other natural elements are a great feature outside any home, as long as you take care to properly maintain them. If you have a lot of trees or bushes in your yard, you’ll need to take extra precautions while preparing for a storm with heavy winds or floods. When heavy winds blow through the area, trees, plants, and other debris are liable to blow around, inevitably damaging your roof or some other area of your property. If you’re expecting a major storm to roll through, cute down natural items or at least trim them away from your roof. Overhanging tree branches are notorious for damaging roofs because they weren’t trimmed properly.
#3: Remove Debris From Your Property & Park Cars In The Garage
If there are loose items in your yard, put them away! Tricycles, garden gnomes, skateboards, patio furniture– whatever you have outside and generally enjoy, can become weapons of mass destruction if strong winds pick them up and hurt your property.
It’s also worth noting that you should put your car in the garage if you can. While the average storm isn’t going to make your sedan lift off, it’s an expensive investment, much like your roof, that you should take extra precautions to protect.
First Out Roofing– Storm Damage Roof Repairs
If your roof is nearing the end of its expected life or you’re looking at a roof replacement after one of Texas’ infamous storms destroys your current one, ask First Out Roofing in Corinth, about the efficacy of metal roofs. Give us a call today!
