How to Prepare Your Roof for South Carolina’s Summer Storms

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The official start of summer is almost here, and the longer, hotter days are approaching. Thanks to high humidity levels and warm air, you can also expect lots of thunderstorms. Your roof will be your first line of defense against the destruction Mother Nature can cause. If you want to ensure that your roof can protect your family and your possessions, you need to prepare.

High wind, heavy rain, and hail can do serious damage to a roof. That’s why experts recommend that you get a professional inspection from a Greenville roofing company.
If problems are detected early and corrected promptly, you’re less likely to have to deal with a badly damaged roof. Even if your roof was well constructed and the shingles were properly installed, you’ll need repair or replacement services at some point. No roof lasts forever or goes undamaged, especially during thunderstorms.

Fortunately, you can get ahead of the situation with some relatively simple steps. Let’s look at some of the precautions you need to take to keep your home safe and comfortable all summer long.

Inspect Your Roof

While you should schedule twice-yearly inspections, you can also take a look at your roof yourself. Unless you have the right safety equipment, you shouldn’t climb on the roof. However, you can detect small issues without ever climbing a ladder or walking across the roof. Some of the things you can look for include:

  • Missing or broken shingles
  • Blocked gutters, drains or downspouts
  • Moss, algae or other vegetation
  • Cracked caulk
  • Damage or rust around exterior fixtures like skylights or vents
  • Leaks inside the home

Keep Your Gutters Clean

Clearing your gutters of leaves and debris ensures that water can flow off the roof. When your gutters are clogged, they can’t do their job, and water will pool. This adds weight to the roof and creates an opportunity for moisture to damage the structure. You may not see always see the damage on the outer layer of the roof, but the underlayment could be deteriorating. If there are lots of trees around, you’ll need to clean your gutters more often. Strong winds may also send debris onto your roof even if trees aren’t right next to your house.

Trim Branches and Other Foliage

Doing this serves two purposes when summer storms approach. First, it helps to keep your gutters clear and reduces the need for cleaning. However, trimming the foliage also gets rid of limbs that could fall on your home during high winds. Fallen limbs can crack the roof or cause it to deteriorate prematurely. Even small leaves and twigs can trap water and lead to the weakening of the roof and the growth of vegetation. Also, the simple action of tree limbs brushing against your roof can cause damage.

Get Repairs Done Promptly

If there are signs of damage on your roof, you need to have them addressed. Waiting causes the situation to become worse and repairs may be more costly. When you’re proactive, your roof will be better able to withstand harsh weather and you’ll save money. If you can’t fix the roof yourself, you need to make sure you call a Greenville roof repair company for assistance. Given how important this feature of your home is, you need to ensure the work is done properly.

What You Need to Do After the Storm Passes

Once the storm has passed, you’ll need to assess the damage. Look to see if any of the shingles have blown off or suffered damage. If some are gone, you’ll need to check the rubber membrane to see if that’s intact. You also need to have your solar panels, skylights, and other roof features inspected by a professional. In addition, you should make sure that no water is collecting on the roof. And issues should be addressed quickly so your roof is ready to withstand any future storms.

Contact Lanier Roofing for Expert Advice and Workmanship

If you want to make sure that your roof is in optimal condition before the thunderstorms approach, reach out to Lanier Roofing. We’ll inspect your home and point out any areas of concern. If your roof gets damaged by bad weather, we can repair or replace it and ensure it’s in perfect shape. Our team of certified roofers has over 100 years of combined experience in the roofing industry and we offer free quotes. Call us today to schedule an inspection and learn about our full range of roofing services.

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