How to Protect Your Roof Against Severe Weather

Severe weather in Austin is not something to take lightly. No matter the time of year, we could be in for strong winds, heavy rains or damaging heat. And while we can go inside for shelter from the storm, our roofs cannot. They must endure the punishing weather day-in, day-out, 365 days a year.

To help our roofs withstand whatever comes our way, we must also give them the attention they need to continue performing their best. Here are a few things you can do to improve your roof in preparation for severe weather.

Best Ways to Strengthen Your Roof for Storms

• Look at your shingles – If you notice loose or damaged shingles, take action immediately to repair or replace them. A few damaged shingles can easily turn into several damaged shingles, and if they are loose, they will be an easy target for strong winds.
• Check your flashing – This is the material used on the seams and joints of your roof. When flashing is damaged, water can seep in and begin to cause problems with your insulation and elsewhere inside your home. Flashing is not meant to last forever, and it becomes especially susceptible to damage in sun-drenched areas like Central Texas. Call a professional to help reinforce any deteriorating flashing.
• Get your gutters in order – Your gutters and downspouts do the important work of carrying rainwater out and away from your home. If you have leaks, water won’t go where it’s supposed to go and you could end up with water damage in your home.
• Examine your yard – Protecting your roof also means making sure your yard is in good shape. Keep your trees and shrubs trimmed. If you know a big storm is on the way, tie-down or put away lawn furniture and take a close look around for any other items that could easily cause roof damage or become a projectile in a storm.

Storms are unpredictable, but one thing that is in your control is the maintenance you do to your roof. Call us at Storm Guard of SW Austin for your routine roof inspections and for help reinforcing your roof for storm season.