Apart from building a solid foundation for your home, weatherproofing your roof is a crucial step toward adding protection. The unpredictable weather plus the reality of global warming can put your home at risk for unprecedented storms, strong winds, and other unfavorable weather conditions.
Whether you are a new homeowner or a homeowner looking for home improvement tips, here are some ways you can weatherproof your home:
Study Your Location
According to roof restoration experts, protecting your home against harsh weather conditions begins with analyzing your location. Some cities experience cold temperatures throughout the year, while other cities consider spiking temperatures as normal.
Learning about your location’s weather condition can help you decide the kind of roof to install (or to replace your old roof with).
Windproof Your Roof
Hurricanes and other natural disasters are unfortunate realities homeowners must face. Apart from destroying vulnerable parts of your house, the strong winds can also rip up your roof. Even if your location is not prone to hurricanes, it’s still important to prepare your home for the worst. Windproof your home by installing truss bracing to your roof, especially if it is gabled.
Break the Ice Buildups
Ice dams can cause leaks inside your home. Prevent damming from by investing in a roof layer that has water-repelling properties. Install it under your shingles during roof restoration or roof construction. Add another layer of protection by using de-icing cables on your top gutters, shingles, and downspouts. Attic insulation can also help you control the temperature on your roof.
Consider a Cooler Roof
If you live in an area that is often humid, installing a cooler roof spares you from the uncomfortable heat. Light-colored roofs reflect sunlight efficiently, which can cool your home, especially during the summer months. You can also paint your roof with cool colors to make it more resilient to the heat.
Peel and Stick Underlayment
If you’re having a new roof installed, use a peel and stick waterproof underlayment instead of the traditional tar paper. Underlayment depends on the adhesive to lock it in place; this way, you need not use nails, which means reduced risks for seal failure.
Peel and stick underlayment is also more flexible than paper, making it easier to install around valleys and hips without tearing. It is more difficult to tear, making it durable and wind-resistant over time.
Invest in an Eco-friendly Roof
Green roofing is becoming more popular as more homeowners are doing their part to cut down on their carbon emissions. Eco-friendly roofs serve as a natural insulator ideal for both cold and hot weather conditions. They can also reduce stormwater run-off since the water is diverted before it can reach your house’s gutters.
Install Gutter Guards
Gutters redirect water so that it won’t pool at the foundation and damage your home. Think of your gutters as your house’s highway system; if they lack maintenance, they can clog up and cause flooding. Keep your gutters in good condition by installing gutter guards. These installations blow off the debris from your roof.
Keep your roof in good condition, no matter what the season is. Consider the suggestions above for a strong roof all year round.
