Your home’s roofing is the first line of defense against the elements. With summer comes heavy rain and high winds, which can damage shingles and cause leaks inside your home. Fortunately, you can follow these preventive measures to protect your roof during thunderstorms.

How to Prepare Your Roofing Against Storms

1. Get an Inspection

To see if your roof is already leaking before a summer storm hits, check the attic, chimney, and vents for water stains and discoloration. Schedule a roofing inspection or repair if you spot any damage to prevent it from worsening throughout the summer. Even if you don’t spot any obvious issues, you should hire a roofing contractor to ensure the shingles and flashing are firmly attached to the top of the home. Loose materials can blow away in high winds and open your roof to potential water damage.

2. Clean the Gutters

Gutters accumulate leaves and twigs throughout the year, which clogs them and allows water to pool on the roof. If there are any loose shingles, water can weaken the underlying structure and leak into your home. Clear this debris twice every year—ideally, you should do so every other season.

3. Check the Perimeter

Tree branches can blow off during high winds and damage shingles or the decking underneath. If they overhang your roof, get them trimmed before summer storms. This will also prevent your gutters from clogging with fallen leaves and branches. When storms are in the forecast, you should also remove or tie down lawn furniture, loosely rooted plants, and any other objects vulnerable to high winds. Flying objects can further damage your roof.

Protect your roof from summer storms by calling D. B. Gulliver & Son Roofing in Hinesville, GA. For over 30 years, the locally owned business has provided roof inspections and repairs to Liberty County homeowners. If your roof is damaged in a storm, they also provide emergency repairs and will work with your insurance company to help you file claim. To get a free estimate, call (912) 876-4401 today.