Each year in Florida, residential roofs face intense heat as well as the torrential rains and strong winds from unpredictable hurricanes. Over time, the annual damage caused by such severe weather conditions can dramatically weaken the integrity of a roof. To best to protect your home from storm-related damage, leaks, or collapse, weatherproof your roof by following these helpful tips.
Remove Roof Debris
Fallen branches, leaves, and other roof debris can easily accumulate throughout the year. Failing to remove dry, dead leaves off your roof can lead to roof fires and leaving large piles of wet vegetation to fester upon your roof encourages the growth of mold, mildew, fungus, algae, and mosquitoes. Roof debris can also clog gutters which enables water to pool against the roof, weaken shingles, and create soggy patches that lead to leaks. To prevent irreversible water damage, support proper water runoff, and keep moisture and rainfall away from your roof, regularly clear off any roof and gutter debris with a rake, broom, or leaf blower.
Trim Back Trees
Overhanging tree limbs can easily snap off during a storm and damaging shingles, or worse, puncture your roof. They also provide excess shade that could keep roof moisture from drying. To prevent a soggy roof or falling branches from harming your home, occasionally prune back any trees that are near or touching your roof.
Replace Loose Shingles
Shingles are the first line of defense in keeping water from seeping through your roof. Ensure your roof is leak-proof by removing any cracked or deteriorated shingles and replacing them with new shingles that are firmly secured with roofing cement.
Install Attic Insulation
Reinforce your roof from the inside with a thick layer of attic insulation. Not only will it help to maintain your home’s internal temperature by keeping the heat out, but attic insulation will also prevent the roof structure from warping under intense heat.
Add Waterproof Underlayment
If you require a new roof, consider protecting it with waterproof peel-and-stick underlayment. While it’s not as cheap as traditional tar paper, peel-and-stick is more wind-resistant, durable, and flexible, and it does not require nails — which cuts down on the possibility of leaks. For additional waterproofing, seam tape can be applied to help seal the crevices between concrete shingles.
Get Expert Assistance
Don’t wait for a storm to hit to begin weatherproofing your roof. Instead, rely on the professional roofing services at Roof Commander, your Orlando, Volusia County and Clermont roofing company. We’re equipped to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible so that your home will be protected against any type of weather. Contact us today at 352-269-3376 to schedule your consultation.