Are you Safe After the Storm? Future-Proof your Roof

It’s been a stormy week in KZN! We’ve not only had to hold on to our hats – many of our homes and roofs have been damaged or even destroyed by the storms! We hope you are safe and sound after the torrential rain and winds, and haven’t sustained a lot of damage. Thankfully, there is always a silver lining to every dark cloud – and we’ve had gorgeous sunshine the past few days. Although it’s the perfect time to kick back and relax, it is also an ideal time to start future-proofing your roof – just in case the weather turns again.

Why Roofs are Vulnerable During Storms
Even though it is not always obvious, roofs are affected by wind and rain. As winds get stronger, roof shingles start lifting and could eventually get ripped away. Existing weak spots in roofs like cracked shingles and missing tiles are affected by hard rain, and where there are vulnerabilities the rain could even start leaking into the building causing more damage.

An Ounce of Prevention…
Because every storm has an impact on your roof, you should inspect it afterwards for weak spots and damage. Here’s how to do it:

1. Inside inspection – If you can get into the attic, check for:
• Sunlight seeping in through the roof
• Dark stains or streaks
• Sagging

2. Outside inspection – Walk around the house and check the roof for:
• Missing, cracked or curled shingles
• Bent or detached flashing
• Debris

3. Up the ladder – If you’re able to safely get up to the roof check for:
• Gutter debris
• Loose nails or nail heads
• Bent or detached flashing

If you find damage, call a reputable roofing contractor straight away. The sooner you take care of damage, the safer your roof will be. Even if you’re lucky enough to have escaped with hat and roof intact, remember proper maintenance to ensure a healthy roof is vital to prevent it from taking off or caving in during the next storm. Just in case you need a few extra tips, here are our top tips for steel roof care to ensure a healthy and safe roof all year round!

If you need a new roof, give us a call.