Northern Virginia enjoys great weather compared to many other parts of the country, but residents do need to be vigilant during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Although direct hurricane hits are not a common occurrence here, tropical storms and their remnants can lead to heavy winds and rainfall.
All types of storms, from rain storms and hail storms to wind storms, have the power to cause major damage to your home, and even the smallest roof leaks can turn into a major headache. How can you ensure your roof is prepared to withstand these conditions ahead of storm season?
Cut Down Trees & Large Bushes
Trees are a beautiful landscaping feature found in many Northern Virginia homes, but they can quickly become a danger when heavy winds hit. In addition to knocking tree branches onto the roof, heavy winds can cause fruits hanging on trees to become airborne and hit your windows or roof and cause damage.
Consult with experts such as roofing contractors and landscapers to find out which tree branches and tall bushes could pose a problem during the storm season and cut them back before bad weather hits. In general, any branch that is close enough to touch the roof has the potential to damage it or lift shingles in a storm.
Check Trees For Signs Of Weakness
It is not just their proximity to your home that you need to worry about when it comes to trees; you also need to ensure trees won’t become uprooted in heavy winds. This requires checking the trees near your home to make sure they are in good health.
Look for any signs that they may be under stress, such as missing bark, withering branches, deformed leaves or dead limbs. If the tree is leaning to one side, there could be problems in its roots. This means it could struggle to stay upright in a storm. Any tree that does not seem prepared to withstand heavy rain or winds should be removed ahead of the storm season.
Dead limbs should also be addressed as they can easily break off in a storm and cause major damage. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that all branches remain at least six feet away from your roof.
Replace Damaged Shingles
If your roof currently has any damaged or missing shingles, these need to be addressed immediately as they could allow rain or wind to penetrate your roof’s protective layers. Damaged shingles have a high likelihood of breaking off during a storm, while areas where shingles are missing leave your home exposed to leaks.
Remove Outdoor Objects
If any type of storm is in the forecast, put outdoor objects that could blow against your home and roof indoors to avoid damage. This might include patio furniture, toys, tools and decorations. If you have a particularly heavy piece of furniture that is impractical to bring inside, consider staking it down ahead of storms.
Clean Out The Gutters
Gutters can easily become clogged, which causes them to stop performing as expected and renders them unable to drain water away from the home’s foundation. Therefore, they must be checked on a regular basis to ensure they are clear. If there is any debris blocking your gutters, it is vital to have it removed before the next storm hits to prevent backups and flooding.
While cleaning out the gutters, it is essential to check for any dents or unevenness that could impede their ability to function properly. Look out for loose or weak fasteners as well.
Have Your Roof Inspected
Getting your roof inspected regularly is one of the top ways of preventing roof damage during the storm season in Northern Virginia. This is something that must be performed by a professional who has been trained in inspecting roofs safely and knows how to spot signs of damage.
The roofing inspector will make sure the roof is intact and make recommendations for addressing any vulnerabilities they encounter. They will also check the ceilings and walls of your home to look for any signs of leaks.
Learn More About Average Roof Life In Northern VA
After The Storm
After the storm has passed, head outside when it is safe to do so and visually inspect the exterior of your home for signs of damage. Look for cracks, dents, and lifting or missing shingles. You should also look around your yard for any shingles on the ground that have blown off during the storm.
If you find any signs of damage or your home was hit with a particularly heavy storm and you have any doubts about the condition of your roof, you should contact a roofing contractor immediately to assess the damage and make timely repairs before the next storm strikes.
See How To Get Your Insurance Company To Pay For A Roof Replacement Here
Contact The Northern VA Roofing Contractors At Adelphia Exteriors
The storm season can be a challenging time in Northern Virginia, and it is essential to ensure your roof is prepared. Contact the Northern Virginia roofing contractors at Adelphia Exteriors today to arrange a roof inspection and receive tailored advice on how to ensure your home is ready for all weather.