Home Hacks: 4 Ways to Protect Your Roof from Getting Damaged

If you are considering how to protect your roof from getting damaged, then there are several different factors that you will want to keep in mind. Here are some factors that you may want to consider.

Check the Pitch

Studies show that homes that rise at least every six inches over a 12-inch horizontal span of the roof are less likely to be damaged by winds and other bad weather. You can determine the pitch of your roof by using a straight level in your attic. Place a straight level against a roof rafter at the flattest part of your roof. Measure over 12 inches with a tape measure and measure the distance from the straight level to the roof rafter.

Design in a Circular Shape

If it is time to remodel your home, then take a look at its overall geometric shape. Most homes are square or rectangles, but research shows that homes that are built in a circular design suffer less roof damage. Therefore, think about building on to your homes in ways that will make it more circular allowing the wind to flow around your home. Not only is your roof more likely to survive high-power winds, but the structure is more likely to survive flood waves. Round roofs are usually stronger because of the number of different materials available to connect them to your home’s walls and the number of connection points that can be created. Roof trusses on round roofs are designed to hold them in a constant state of compression.

Use Multiple Roof Sections

While it is still common practice to design a roof so that it only has one or two parts, the best practice is to design a roof to have multiple levels. Stop and think for a minute about the direction that the wind normally comes from in your area during a storm. Then, consider using various roof sections to lift the wind up and away from the structure. This can help prevent the wind from getting under the edge of the roof and lifting it off. While it is not a foolproof method, it may help to stop the wind from damaging your roof.

Install Gutters

When gutters are not properly installed, then they often pull away from the roof. This gap can cause water to leak under the edge of the roof and cause problems with the roof rotting. Additionally, when they are allowed to fill with debris, then they often become a home for insects, birds and pests who may try to get under your roof or eat it away. Damaged gutters often dump water on the ground beside the foundation instead of moving it away causing the roof and the rest of the building to separate as the foundation settles. Therefore, you should consider installing new guttering.

Use these ideas and your own ingenuity to make sure that your roof does not get damaged as easily by a big storm. Taking action now to inspect and repair your roof will help make it safer before the storm hits. After all, the things that your roof is protecting is often your most valuable processions.