Source: GAF Website
You work hard to keep that roof over your head. That's why it's important to maintain your home's longevity. Paying attention to the seasonal weather changes that affect your home will save you a significant amount of time and money. And, while you may initially think of the harshest of conditions mother nature throws our way (i.e. hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, etc.), it takes far less to cause deterioration of a home's structure over time. Luckily, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Listed below are damaging weather conditions that arise year-round, and simple ways you (or a service professional) can protect your home.
While many of these solutions can likely be done on your own, if you're looking for contractors, you'll want to be sure they're licensed and insured. You may also want to check online reviews to see what others in your community have to say about them. GAF certified roofing contractors* can be sorted on GAF.com based on star recommendation ratings.
Spring / Summer
The Spring and Summer seasons bring a wave of excitement for warmer weather, beach days, vacations, barbeques, and fun indoor activities. Yet, we often forget that summer can bring about some of the most severe storms, fires, hail, and floods. In fact, nearly 1 in 3 Americans experienced a weather disaster in the summer of 2021** and this trend is expected to continue. So, bracing your home to withstand the elements is more important than ever.
Roof: Your home's roof system takes the brunt of weather damage. To ensure your roof can hold up to the challenges that mother nature presents, you'll want to regularly check that your roofing system is in good condition to prevent water infiltration into your home.
Solution #1: Clean your gutters and downspouts as needed to ensure water is running off your roof and away from your home properly. A full or clogged gutter may cause water to back up onto your roof and into your attic and may even cause the gutter itself to fall from excessive weight.
Solution #2: The best preventative maintenance is having a professional roofing inspection. Spring is an ideal time to hire a licensed roofing contractor* to check for missing or damaged shingles from the previous seasons. This in turn can prevent leaks and water damage as the rainy season approaches. Plus, being proactive with roof maintenance can also help with insurance claims, if and where applicable. Don't forget to also take a look at flashing, valleys and other parts of your roof.
