Spring has sprung, which means warm weather is just around the corner. While everyone loves the spring sunshine, it also brings unpredictable weather. Heavy winds and rain can threaten your roof’s integrity, but with a little maintenance and spring storm preparation, you can make sure your home is ready to handle any surprises.

1. Inspect Your Roof

Wind and hail account for roughly 40% of homeowner insurance losses. An unprepared roof could mean increased damage and expenses when the first severe storm hits. When you understand your roof’s condition, it’s easier to catch issues that could escalate during wind, rain and fluctuating temperatures.

Begin your spring roof maintenance with a visual inspection. Use binoculars as needed, and start assessing your roof from the ground. Are there any missing or damaged shingles? Is the flashing around your chimneys and vents in good condition? Leaks and gaps in these areas let water seep inside, causing expensive water damage.

Next, head to the attic during the day. Use the outside light to look for existing holes in the roof. If you see sunshine coming in, there’s a hole that needs patching. Make sure to look over the attic for water damage, too. Any mold or stains on the roof underside can indicate a leak issue. Check on your insulation while you’re up there. If any is wet, you should have your roof checked for water problems. Insulation must be dry to work effectively.

2. Clear Debris

After finishing your inspection, it’s time to start clearing debris. For roofs that are lower to the ground, you can use a ladder to carefully reach and remove any branches and leaves. Debris can trap moisture against your roof, speeding up deterioration. It can also impact shingles during storms. Keeping your roof clear helps prevent damage during wind and hail storms. Use a broom or leaf blower to clear the roof — shovels and other sharp tools can harm or dislodge shingles.

3. Clean Gutters

Gutters drain water off your roof and away from your home, but debris from the roof can wash into gutters and clog them. This can cause water to run under the roof and down into the foundation, leaving extensive damage behind. Make sure you clean your gutters regularly to avoid water overflow and backups.

Use a ladder to clear your gutters before and during spring. Consider installing gutter guards to keep debris out year-round.

4. Trim Overhanging Branches

Trees are a great way to shade your home while adding to its curb appeal. However, overhanging branches can become dangerous during harsh storms. Loose limbs can fall in high winds, creating holes, and low-lying ones may scrape against your house, damaging the siding and shingles. Hire professionals to prune branches near your roof and prevent roof leaks.

When you’re outside, take a look at the trees themselves. Do they look healthy? If they have diseases or seem to be dying, they might fall on your roof during a severe storm. Consult with a professional to ensure your trees aren’t a threat to your home’s safety.

5. Secure Roof Fixtures

It’s common to have different roof attachments like satellite dishes and vents. These features can become hazards if they’re improperly secured. Either you or a professional should inspect your roof fixtures at the beginning of spring. Look for:

  • Wobbly roof-mounted items
  • Gaps around vents and skylights
  • Missing screws and fasteners
  • Cracks and other damage

If anything turns up, make sure to get your roof fixtures secured and sealed. Proper reinforcement keeps out water and stops the attachments from flying away during a storm. Dealing with roof storm damage can be stressful, but a little prep can prevent major problems.

6. Hire Professionals

While DIY inspections are good for spotting obvious issues, your roof needs a professional eye. With so much riding on your roof’s health, scheduling regular professional assessments is important to address all potential problems. Professionals have the experience and tools needed to find the little points that can turn into major setbacks. Scheduling professional inspection offers:

  • Comprehensive assessments: Roof inspections cover the entire roof. Professionals will even check for hidden issues like poor ventilation, water damage and structural issues.
  • Detailed results: Roofers will use moisture meters and infrared technology to detect leaks. Professional equipment gives you a deeper understanding of your roof’s condition and expected life span.
  • Reliable repairs: After a roof inspection for storms, professionals will reinforce leak-prone areas like flashing points and valleys. They can recommend your next steps and help you with stormproofing your home.

7. Review Insurance Coverage

Even with the best preparation, roof damage can still happen. Go beyond physically stormproofing the roof by reviewing your insurance policy to make sure everything is spring storm-ready. With convective storm damage claims hitting $60 billion in 2023, insurance companies are tightening up. You must have your insurance in order to help you get the coverage you need.

Review your insurance policy to fully understand what types of storm-related damage are covered. Some policies will exclude damage from wind, hail or fallen trees. If your policy excludes these damages, you might want to add supplemental coverage to protect your home during storms.

If your roof is damaged during a storm, it’s important to have records. Keep documentation on all your roof inspections, maintenance, damage and repairs. This proves your roof was in good condition before any storm damage happened. Records include photos of the roof before spring started. After a roof-damaging storm, take pictures of the damage for your records. Clear documentation helps improve your chances of a successful insurance claim.

8. Stay Prepared

When a storm damages your roof, you need to be prepared. Have an emergency plan in place to protect your family and important documents. The better your plan, the faster you can act if a roof issue arises. Keep your house stocked with emergency materials like roofing nails, tarps and plywood. You can use this equipment to quickly patch a roof leak by covering the area with a tarp and securing it until a professional can make a more permanent repair.

As part of your plan, build a list of emergency contacts. This includes loved ones for medical issues, but it should also have a list of trusted roofing contractors and insurance adjusters. These are the professionals you need to call when roof damage happens. They can get to your home quickly and begin the necessary repair steps.

Protect Your Home This Spring With AmeriPro Roofing

Whether you need structural roof repair for storm damage or a comprehensive inspection, AmeriPro Roofing can help. As a company rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, we uphold the highest standards of quality and integrity with every project. We offer complimentary inspections, expert repairs and dedicated support with the insurance process to minimize your out-of-pocket costs. Choose AmeriPro Roofing and experience the difference a lifetime workmanship warranty and top-class customer service can make.

Contact us today to schedule your complimentary inspection! We’ve got locations across the country, making reliable roof services simple.