How to Keep Insurance Costs to a Minimum by Protecting your Roof

It comes around every year: the fall. After three months of basking in glorious sunshine, the wind starts blowing and Mother Nature starts to wreak havoc on homes across the country. The front line of this battle with the elements is a home’s roof. Look after the roof, and there is a good chance that you can protect your home from a number of structural problems. Stay on top of roof repairs, preventative maintenance and regular inspections, and you should be able to minimize the chances of making a claim against your home insurance.

Check Your Roof Before the Worst of the Weather Arrives

It is important to inspect a roof closely before the ravages of winter take hold. The most effective ways to do this are to get on the roof yourself or pay a contractor to do it for you. Identify any cracks, leaks and missing shingles or tiles. Replace them before a relatively small problem becomes a far larger one.

A caulking gun should be used in order to apply roof cement to the edges of shingles, and a specialist construction adhesive should be applied to the roof’s trusses and rafters where they come into contact with the roof deck. It is also a good idea to get into your attic in order to inspect a roof from the inside. Look for damp patches, leaks and daylight – they could all be indications of a damaged roof. Also, make sure all your gutters are free from debris and leaks, as they are designed to keep water away from vulnerable areas of your property.

It is always a good idea to stay abreast of the latest weather forecasts. A storm tarp or hurricane straps can be be attached to your roof to provide protection from the worst of a storm.

What to Do During a Storm

If bad weather arrives before you’ve had the chance to inspect your roof and prepare it, it’s too late, and your attention should turn to your own safety. Damage caused during a storm should be left until the worst of the weather has passed. Attempting to repair a roof while wind and rain are still attacking it is always a futile process, and it could put you in danger. If tiles or shingles start to fall from the roof, get out immediately and take shelter elsewhere.

What to Do After a Storm

Whether you think your roof has been damaged or not, you should always inspect it after a severe storm. Assess the damage, and call your home insurance company for guidance if you find extensive damage. It is worth noting that not all roof damage is immediately apparent. A roofing contractor will probably get onto the roof and walk over it, listening for weaknesses. Even the dislodging of one shingle or tile could be enough to allow water into your home, and that can lead to mold and structural problems over time.