What to Know about Your Roof & Summer Storms

As the weather transitions into summer, it’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of warmer weather and brighter days. However, while summer is often more carefree, it’s not the time to adopt a carefree attitude about roof maintenance.

In fact, your roof still runs the risk of serious damage thanks to summer storms. As you get ready for the warmer season, protect and prepare your roof by learning about summer storm dangers and damage prevention.

Summer Storms and Their Risks

Rain

Although sun is a characteristic of summer, rain and thunderstorms still wreak havoc on Canadian cities and neighbourhoods.

In fact, in August 2005, a storm generated 175 mm of rainfall in just under 2 hours. The phenomenon resulted in $500 million worth of damage and was the second largest loss event in Canadian history.

In addition to threatening flood and water damage, heavy rain can work its way under shingles and weaken the roof’s underlayment. Even without obvious damage, rain can cause long-term problems that slowly deteriorate your roof.

Wind

Most thunderstorm wind damage in the summertime comes from straight-line winds. These winds move horizontally away from thunderstorms and can cause tornado-like conditions.

Strong winds like these can turn loose shingles and debris into dangerous projectiles that can cause property damage, injury, and death.

High winds coupled with heavy rainfall can also increase the risk of falling tree limbs and uprooted trees.

Hail

Ice isn’t just a winter hassle. On average, hail is actually most common in July. The Prairie provinces are particularly vulnerable to this hazard. These areas experience more damage from hail events than any other severe summer weather event.

Hail can crack and dislodge shingles or knock off shingle granules. While these issues rarely incur immediate damage, they can create long-term problems and weaken your roof.

Roof Preparation before Summer Storms

Look over your insurance

Check your insurance to see what your coverage offers. This ensures you know what to expect if you need to make a claim. An understanding of what your policy does and doesn’t cover allows you to determine what investments are worth your time and money.

A review of your policy will also help you know what things you can attempt to fix on your own before an adjuster comes out. For example, if roof damage is letting in hot air or pests, you’ll want to know if you can temporarily fix it without affecting your coverage.

Inspect your roof and home

When the weather is nice, look for curled, missing, or loose shingles. Siding can also come apart from your home, so be sure to check along your house as well. Strong winds can remove shingles and siding, exposing your home’s interior and posing a property and personal injury threat.

While looking for damage from the winter, consider your shingle installation. While staples can securely attach shingles to your roof, they are only effective when installed correctly. Nails are a safer bet since they often attach more securely because they are easier to install correctly.

You don’t have to replace your Calgary roof if you have stapled shingles, but you’ll want to be aware of their increased risk. If you repeatedly find missing or loose shingles, it might be time to consider a different roofing approach.

Check caulking and weather stripping too. Look for issues anywhere two materials come together, like your roof and siding. Gaps in these areas might permit storm drafts into your home.

Throughout your inspection and repairs, keep record of the work you have done and take pictures. This documentation will help with any necessary insurance claims.

Trim your trees

Remove any overhanging branches that can damage your roof, patio, siding, gazebo, or other structures. This will also reduce the amount of leaves and other foliage that accumulates in your gutters.

Additionally, check your trees to see if they’re at risk of falling over. Look for full leaf coverage—if the branches at the top of the tree are thinning, it could indicate a health problem.

Check the ground around the trees too. Unevenness indicates shallow roots, which can lead to uprooting. If necessary, work with an arborist to inspect the health of your tree and remove it if it’s a threat.

Clean your gutters

Clean gutters are essential to avoid flood and water damage, so you’ll want to keep this habit up even during the summer.

After all, your gutters act as your home’s drain system. If they back up, it leads to leaks and pooling on your roof, weakening your roof’s underlayment. Additionally, too much weight in your gutters could also cause them to collapse.

And gutters don’t just protect your roof—in fact; they primarily help the siding, lawn, and foundation. Regular cleaning therefore saves you from costly roof, home, and foundation repairs.

Storm damage is often on homeowners’ minds during more unruly seasons, but it’s important to remember that it's common even in the summer. Prepare now to avoid the dangerous and costly effects that can come from summer storms.

For all roof repairs in Calgary, call Century Roofing Ltd. roofers today!