The beautiful township of Hainesport, New Jersey, is also prone to harsh weather conditions, such as storms and heavy rains. As a homeowner, it can be difficult to predict when these storms will occur and potentially damage your property. This is why staying on top of the weather conditions is extremely necessary.
One aspect of your home that is often most affected by powerful storms is your roof. Roof storm damage is not something you can take lightly, and you must ensure that your roofing system is strong enough to withstand these severe conditions.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the preventive measures that you can take to protect your roof from storm damage.
How Can You Protect Your Home From Roof Storm Damage?
If you’ve lived in a region that has experienced a heavy storm, you know how stressful it can be if your home is damaged. Roof damage can create leaks and other problems throughout your home, leading to costly repairs. The good news is that there are many ways to help protect your home against storm damage. Here are some tips from the experts at Champion Exteriors to keep your home safe in Hainesport, NJ.
#1 Check Your Roof Shingles For Damage
Roof shingles are the first line of defense against harsh weather conditions as they occupy the top position of your roofing system. Asphalt roof shingles are the most common type of roof shingles used throughout the country, and they can be extremely durable if they are properly maintained. If you also have an asphalt shingle roof, you need to pay extra attention to your roof, as shingles can get damaged over time.
The best way to maintain your asphalt shingle roof is to have it inspected for any damage, such as missing or damaged shingles. Below we will discuss these problems in depth.
Missing Shingles
When winds are strong, there is a chance that shingles can completely blow off your roof. Missing shingles can lead to problems with your entire roof structure, and it can lead to damage throughout your home. Shingles protect your roof from the elements, and if any are missing, there’s nothing to stop rain from entering your home.
Damaged Shingles
Damaged or broken roof shingles can also damage your home significantly. Shingles can be damaged over time, and during severe storms, it is likely that some shingles can be broken. Shingles will wear out as they age, and as this happens, there is a greater chance that they can be damaged during severe weather conditions.
If roof damage is not repaired quickly, water can penetrate through shingles to the roof deck, damaging the entire roof system. If you notice any damaged roof shingles, you need to contact a roofing contractor for roof replacement or repair as soon as possible.
#2 Clean Your Gutters Regularly
Gutters are another vital aspect of your home’s roofing system. Gutters and downspouts are responsible for keeping water away from the roof and your home’s foundation. Rainwater passes through the gutters to the downspout, protecting your home from water damage.
Over time, wood and other debris can get into your gutters, especially during the storm season. If the gutters are clogged, they can’t do their job and drain water away from your home. Clogging will cause water to collect (standing water), which can cause damage to your roof.
Clean your gutters regularly with the help of a washer to ensure that they remain free from any debris.
Is it time For New Gutters?
If you notice that your gutters have aged and are not performing optimally, then it is time to replace them. You can also check out our blog on the cost of installing gutters if you are looking to have new gutters installed on your home.
#3 Check The Flashing
Damaged and missing flashing is a serious concern. If you have skylights or chimneys on your roof, it’s essential to check for damage. Flashing is a metal or plastic piece that helps seal the tops of these openings, preventing water from entering the house. If they’re damaged, you must ensure that you replace your roof flashing before storm season starts in New Jersey.
#4 Upgrade The Siding Of Your Home
Siding or wall cladding effectively protects your home’s exterior from harsh weather conditions. Damaged siding can have adverse effects on your home, and inspecting your home’s siding is crucial for your safety! A major storm can not only damage your roofing system, but it can also affect your home’s siding. If you want to ensure your home is well protected from storm damage, you may need to upgrade the siding of your home in Hainesport, NJ.
Today, there are a variety of weatherproof sidings available on the market. At Champion Exteriors, our experts install James Hardie siding in New Jersey. James Hardie is the inventor and the leader in world-class fiber cement sidings.
Here are some tips to keep your siding in great condition:
- Paint your siding regularly
- Trim the nearby bushes and trees
- Seal the siding
If you want to protect the home’s exterior, choose high-quality siding from leading manufacturers. There are many siding types available in New Jersey that you can choose to enhance the look and durability of your home.
#5 Seal The Doors And Windows Of Your Home
Another important thing you need to do to prepare for severe storms is to seal the doors and windows of your home. Doors and Windows are essential to let in fresh air and sunlight inside your home while improving your home’s curb appeal, but you need to ensure that the contractor installs them correctly. Even the slightest gap between the windows and the wall can be troublesome. Even the smallest opening can cause damage to the interior of your home, as wind and rainwater can enter through them.
Here are a few tips to protect your doors and windows from damage:
Use High-Quality Sealant
You can prevent damage from happening by sealing the doors and windows. The easiest way to do so is by using weather stripping or caulk. This will help prevent rainwater from entering your home through cracks or gaps in the door or window frames.
Aside from protecting your home from a significant storm, here are some other advantages of sealing:
- It improves the insulation of your home
- It helps to maintain the home’s interior
- Protects the property from outside damage
Install Storm Shutters
You can also purchase storm shutters to protect windows from cracking. Storm shutters for windows are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to stay safe without having to buy expensive new windows.
#6 Keep Your Home Insurance Up To Date
When it comes to protecting your property, home insurance is vital. If you’re worried about the damage a storm can do to your home, your first step is to talk with your insurance agent about getting a policy.
Homeowner’s insurance is the best way to protect your home and its contents from damage caused by severe weather. If your roof suffers severe storm damage, then the consequences can be significant! An insurance policy will help you in dire circumstances so that you can get your roof back up, and restore your home to its pre-storm condition.
Most homeowners already have home insurance, but they need to be aware of what it covers and how much an insurance claim will cost. Contact your insurance company to learn more about their level of coverage and whether it is adequate or not.
#7 Clean Your Lawn And The Area Surrounding Your Home
You might not think that keeping your property clean has any effect on keeping your home safe, but in reality, there is a strong connection between the two. A storm can damage not only your home but its surroundings as well. Intense storms can easily damage tall trees surrounding your home, debris, and other things on your lawn, causing them to break and fall on your roofing system.
If reports signal that the storm is about to hit your area, and you are trying to protect your home, it would be wise to take all your belongings in your lawn back inside. This can include grills, lawn furniture, etc. If you have a deck, then cover it with a tarp. Also, keep the trees surrounding your roof trimmed, so the branches do not fall on your roof.
Has Your Roof Suffered Storm Damage? Champion Exteriors Can Help!
We hope that you better understand roof storm damage and how to protect your home from it. If you need to repair or replace your roof or home’s exterior to protect it from future damage, you should contact the professional roofing team at Champion Exteriors. We have more than 85 years of experience in the field, and we have been diligently serving the South New Jersey community for years.
Here is what you can expect from us:
- We are South Jersey’s oldest and most trusted full-service roofing company
- Our team uses high-quality roofing materials. Our team is Owens Corning’s Preferred Contractor. We also install GAF shingles and James Hardie sidings.
- Our team will assist you in finding the best financing options
If you have any questions or want to share your experiences with us, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (609) 845-3576. We will be happy to address your concerns!