Hurricane Season Is Here - Is Your Roof Ready

For the northeast, August brings the peak of hurricane season. As Tropical Storm Isais showed us last week, whether you live near the beach or further inland, our region can be hit hard when storms make landfall. Knowing how you can prepare and protect your property is key for each homeowner before the next big storm arrives. Here are our tips for evaluating your home’s hurricane preparedness. 

1. Inspect your shingles. High winds can cause loose shingles to become dislodged. This could lead to leaks or worse during a bad storm. If you’re uncomfortable checking your shingles, play it safe and contact a professional to inspect the status of your roof. 

2. Almost all hurricanes bring heavy rains to our region. If your gutters aren’t properly secured and free of debris, the excessive rain could spell disaster for your home. Now is the time to check those gutters and ensure they are free of debris. 

3. Check trees surrounding the home for loose branches and rotting limbs. Call in a professional tree trimming expert if you notice large trees that appear to be a fall hazard or look like they have died. 

4. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be a good time to replace it. With a new roof you can rest assured that everything is properly installed and providing you with the most protection before the storm. 

5. Walk around your home and carefully look at your eaves and soffits. Check for any missing material or signs of damage. High winds can cause any preexisting minor damage to become a major problem. Don’t hesitate to call your preferred roofing professional if you spot any signs of damage. Fixing a small problem now will be much better than if that small problem turns into a large issue after a hurricane. 

If you have questions about protecting your home during hurricane season, contact our team of seasoned professionals today. 

Winter Roof Maintenance Tips

We’ve been lucky to make it this far into winter without a major snow storm, but that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear just yet. As we get later into the season, winter storms can bring even more damage due to the abundance of ice and heavy, wet snow caused by air temperatures near the Earth’s surface.  This snow can wreak havoc on your roof if you haven’t taken proper precautionary measures. We’ve pulled together a list of tips to help you prepare for late winter storms before they ruin your roof. 

1. Trim Tree Branches

During the next temperate day, head outside to assess the trees surrounding your house. If you notice any branches hanging too close to the house, have a professional remove them before the next snowfall. Late season storms are notorious for bringing heavy wet snow that can weigh down and snap even the sturdiest branches. 

2. Remove excess debris

Debris can lead to holes, mildew growth, gutter damage, and other significant roofing issues. If you see debris on your roof, it’s important to remove it immediately before it has a chance to cause damage. 

3. Look for and repair missing shingles

Perform a ground examination by walking around the perimeter of your home and inspecting your roof for any missing or out of place shingles. If you identify any spots that have been compromised, contact us today to discuss the best solution for your needs.

4. Clean gutters

Remove any excess debris from your gutters. Since the fall the last leaves have fallen and the windy weather has likely knocked loose sticks and other small debris that can clog your gutters. Clearing your gutters ensures that water, snow, and ice can properly drain off of the roof. If gutters are clogged it can cause the water in the gutter to freeze. This can put excess weight on the gutter, causing it to collapse and damage your roof and siding. If you’re uncomfortable cleaning the gutters, contact a professional today.

5. Hire a professional to complete a roof inspection. 

While you may feel capable to assess tree branch issues and clean the gutters, a roofing professional can help identify other areas that can help improve your roof’s performance this winter, including assessing your attic ventilation. Contact the Weather-Tite Roofing team today to discuss your roof inspection. Investing in an inspection now could help save you significantly when the next storm comes.

What To Do When Your Roof Leaks During A Storm

Storms can bring high winds, heavy downpours, and snow. No matter how well you maintain your roof there may be a time when storm damage impacts your home. It’s important to follow steps to help reduce damage and protect your home as quickly as possible. These tips will help you manage storm damage to your roof until a professional can arrive.

1. Call a roofing contractor immediately. Weather-Tite Roofing offers 24/7 Emergency Roofing Services to the Tri-State Area. If your home has been damaged, contact immediately and we will help you get your home back with a quality solution that lasts. 

2. Remove furniture, valuables, photos, and paper items from the room impacted by the leak. If some of your belongings have become wet, dry them as best you can to prevent mold growth. 

3. Place a bath mat or an absorbent towel on the floor and position buckets, plastic tubs, or pots and pans directly under the leak. This will help prevent damage to your floors until you are safely able to cover the damaged roof section on the exterior of the home.

4. If the leak is substantial or directly near an electrical outlet, go to your breaker box and turn off the power to that area. If the power has gone out it’s important to still complete this step. This will prevent any short circuits and reduce the risk of electrocution, should the power suddenly turn back on. 

5. When it’s safe, tarp the roof. If you’re able to safely access the leak, tarping the roof will help prevent further damage to your home. This article explains in detail how to properly tarp your roof. Please take extreme caution when tarping your roof and never access the roof in inclement weather. 

If your roof has been damaged by a storm, don’t wait. Call our team now. We are here 24/7 to service your emergency roofing needs.