While fall may bring the wonderful colors of changing leaves, it also brings new challenges for homeowners to protect themselves from. Each autumn, more frequent and powerful storms can cause lasting damage to your roof, drainage systems, and more if proper preventative steps aren’t taken. Let’s take a look at tips for fall storm preparation for your home.
Preventative Steps to Take
Schedule a Roof Inspection
It’s hard to know how at risk for damage your roof is without the assistance of a professional eye. For this reason, it’s important to seek out the right professional to conduct an inspection of your roof. Often times, damages such as cracks or missing shingles will go unnoticed until water begins to leak into your home.
Consider Scheduling a Water Test
If you’re unsure whether or not your roof has a trouble spot where water can enter, it is advisable to schedule a Water Test. A roofing expert from Four Twelve will use a pressurized hose to probe your roof for vulnerabilities, and see if water leaks into your attic. This way we can address risks for leaks before a major storm hits.
Clean Your Gutters
Autumn brings fallen leaves, and fallen leaves lead to clogged gutters. Your gutters serve the important role of funneling water from the base of your roof. However, when they clog, water becomes trapped and can lead to roof damage if not taken care of.
Examine Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
If your home does suffer damage from fall storms, it’s important to carefully examine your homeowner’s insurance policy to check what kind of damage is covered, and what you will have to pay out of pocket.
Replace Missing or Damaged Shingles
Roof shingles serve as a protective layer for your roofing system. If shingles are torn off by debris, or become damaged, they can create trouble spots for moisture to enter into your attic and cause damage to your roof’s wooden framing. Professional roofers can help you replace shingles that are missing or damaged.
Cut Down Overhanging Branches
Overhanging branches can cause significant damage to your roof and pose a safety hazard as well. Trimming branches, especially those that are dead, is an important preventative step in fall storm preparation for your home.
Additional Things to Keep an Eye On
Membrane: Ensure the protective membrane meant to keep water from entering through your attic is not ripped, punctured, or showing effects of aging.
Flashings: Inspect that all of your home’s flashings are properly attached and sealed to prevent water entry.
Mounted Equipment: Make sure places where equipment penetrates your roofing or siding have been properly sealed, and that the equipment is firmly attached so heavy rains or strong winds will not cause equipment to become dislodged.
Gutters and Downspouts: Check that all of your gutters and downspouts are not only clear of leaves and debris but properly attached and that they are redirecting water to the correct area.
Inspect Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are a prime entry point for moisture. Check each window on the upper floor to ensure that they are properly fastened. Additionally, inspect the flashing of each entry point in your home. The flashing is a layer around the window or door, typically made of plastic, that is meant to prevent water from getting inside. If the flashing is worn or damaged, have it replaced.
Clear Exterior Stairwell of Leaves
Your exterior stairwell can become clogged with leaves and twigs during the fall, blocking the drainage ditch that redirects water. To avoid flooding, clear exterior stairs of leaves and other debris to prevent a drainage backup.
Need Help With Fall Storm Preparation for Your Home? Contact Four Twelve Today.
Four Twelve Roofing is Baltimore’s premier roofing service provider. Our experts will come out to your home and complete an inspection to ensure your home is prepared for fall storms. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.
