We like to think our roofs are invincible when it comes to the elements, but the fact is, they can be prone to weather damage. Rain and wind can cause shingles to tear away from your roof, creating areas where water can seep in and cause lasting damage. To protect your roof against rain and other weather-related damage, you need to properly weatherproof it. But what does this mean? If you want to know how to protect your roof from rain, keep reading!
Of course, a roofer in Orlando will always do a better job than you can do yourself. But sometimes it’s nice to have an idea of what you could be doing and why. Here are several steps that can help weatherproof your roof against rain:
1) Inspect Your Shingles: One of the most important things to do when weatherproofing your roof against rain is to check to make sure all of your shingles are in good condition. Look for any cracks, missing or loose ones, and ensure there are no gaps between them. If you spot any damage, replace the shingles as soon as possible.
2) Remove Branches and Debris: It’s important to remove any branches or debris that could cause further damage to your roof in case of a storm. Make sure any trees around your home are trimmed back and remove any leaves or other debris from the roof. If you fail to do this, you could be inviting leaks and other damage to your roof.
3) Use Heat Tape: On both the roof and gutters, use heat tape to protect against ice dams. Heat tape, or heating cable, provides a continuous path of warmth along the edges of your roof and gutters to help prevent ice dams from forming. Without this precaution, ice dams can wreak havoc on your roof.
4) Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to pool near the foundations of your home and can even back up onto your roof. To avoid this, make sure that you keep your gutters and downspouts clear of leaves, branches, and other debris. People often forget the gutters as a part of the roofing system; don’t make this mistake.
5) Insulate the Attic: Next, you’ll want to make sure that your attic is properly insulated because this will help regulate the temperature of your home and decrease the chances of ice dams forming on the roof. Insulating your attic will also help reduce energy costs by keeping the hot air in during winter and cool air in during summer.
6) Re-Seal Any Cracks: Take a good look at your roof and identify any cracks or splits in the shingles. If there are any, use a sealant to fill them in so that no water can enter your home through the cracks.
7) Use Seam Tape: Seam tape is a special adhesive tape that will help seal any gaps between the shingles on your roof. This will prevent rainwater from getting through the shingles and into your home. By using this tape, you can make sure that your roof is completely weatherproofed.
As well as these DIY tips, don’t be afraid to contact a roofer in Orlando if you have any questions or need help with your roof. A professional can offer more advice and make sure that your roof is in top condition to keep out the rain. Whatever you do, don’t ignore any issues with your roof; it could lead to more expensive problems down the line.