An aging roof will be more affected by stormy weather, but while you wait for a full replacement you can take different steps to help keep your roof safe from inclement weather and prevent any existing damage or effects of age from getting worse.
Install Tarp and/or Plywood
If sections of your roof are weak or prone to leaking or other damage, you can add some temporary protection by installing a tarp and plywood on your roof. Tarp is more effective at preventing leaks, whereas plywood can be more effective at preventing physical damage, such as that caused by hail or tree branches.
If you opt to try this yourself, make sure it's properly installed. You can also ask a roofing professional to do this for you.
Get Leaks Repaired Immediately
Even if your whole roof needs to be replaced, it's still vitally important to have any current leaks taken care of before any more rain or stormy weather hits. Leak damage can quickly get worse and start to spread and cause problems throughout the rest of your home. For example, moisture that travels too far into your home can damage insulation and cause mold growth. Even leaks that stay isolated to your roof and attic area can cause problems like wood rot, which can weaken your whole roof structure. Fixing up leaks before a storm hits, even on an aging roof, can be a very effective preventative measure.
Have Nearby Trees Trimmed
Tree trimming can also help prevent storm damage to your roof. Trimming trees is about more than just helping make sure they won't fall over. Thinning the crown can make it less likely that branches will snap off and fall onto your roof. It can also reduce the reach of tree branches, which means that even high winds won't cause your trees to brush against your roof and siding.
This work is typically best done by professionals, as improper pruning can weaken your tree and in some cases increase the risk of tree-related storm damage.
Get Gutters Cleaned
Having your gutters cleaned is a simple but effective way to protect your roof. Clogged and messy gutters can quickly get saturated and heavy, which can put strain on your roof, and when water can't drain properly it can overfill your gutters and get underneath your roofing material and into your house.
If your gutters are in bad shape, it may be preferable to have them removed instead. Your goal is to let your roof get rid of water as quickly as possible and to avoid accumulation, so if cleaning your gutters won't be very effective, ask a roofing professional if taking them down will be a better way to prevent further damage.
Reach out to a local roofer to learn more.
Share19 January 2023
When it came time to install a new roof on my home, I had no idea where to start. In fact, I was exploring roofing options that were a really poor fit in my climate. It wasn't until I reached out to a local roofer that I got some lessons on how to choose the right roofing material for my home and the weather exposure it is subjected to. I built this site to share my journey, including the mistakes I made and the things that I learned along the way. If you are considering replacing your home's roof, I hope that the information here can help to guide you through the process.
