How to Prepare Your Roof for Severe Weather in Springfield, MO

Springfield, MO experiences a variety of severe weather conditions throughout the year, from heavy snowfall in the winter to hailstorms and strong winds in the spring and summer. Proper roof maintenance and preparation are crucial to ensure your home remains protected. 

This guide provides a detailed seasonal overview of roof maintenance tasks and practical tips to help you safeguard your roof against the elements. Additionally, we’ll highlight the services offered by Armor Roofing to keep your roof in top condition.

Winter: Protecting Your Roof from Snow and Ice

Inspect and Clean Gutters:

  • Task: Ensure your gutters are clean and free of debris.

  • Why: Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can cause water to back up under your shingles and lead to leaks.

  • Detailed Steps:

  1. Use a sturdy ladder to reach your gutters.

  2. Wear gloves to protect your hands from debris and sharp edges.

  3. Scoop out leaves, twigs, and other debris using a gutter scoop or small trowel.

  4. Flush the gutters with a garden hose to ensure water flows freely.

Check for Roof Damage:

  • Task: Look for missing or damaged shingles.

  • Why: Snow and ice can exacerbate existing damage, leading to more significant issues.

  • Detailed Steps:

  1. Conduct a visual inspection from the ground using binoculars.

  2. Look for shingles that are cracked, curled, or missing.

  3. If you notice any damage, contact a professional for a closer inspection and repairs.

Insulate Your Attic:

  • Task: Make sure your attic is properly insulated.

  • Why: Good insulation prevents heat from escaping, which helps to reduce the risk of ice dams.

  • Detailed Steps:

  1. Check the insulation level in your attic. It should be at least 10-14 inches thick.

  2. Add additional insulation if necessary, ensuring even coverage without gaps.

  3. Seal any air leaks around pipes, vents, and light fixtures.

Practical Tips:

  • Tip: Use a roof rake to remove excess snow from your roof after a heavy snowfall to prevent excessive weight and potential collapse.

Armor Roofing Services:

  • Armor Roofing offers professional inspections and gutter cleaning services to prepare your roof for winter. Learn more about our gutter cleaning services.

Spring: Preparing for Rain and Hail

Inspect for Winter Damage:

  • Task: Check your roof for any damage that may have occurred during the winter.

  • Why: Addressing damage early can prevent leaks and further deterioration.

  • Detailed Steps:

  1. Look for loose or damaged shingles, particularly around the edges of the roof.

  2. Inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for signs of wear or damage.

  3. Examine the attic for signs of water intrusion, such as stains or mold.

Trim Overhanging Branches:

  • Task: Trim any branches that hang over your roof.

  • Why: This prevents damage from falling branches during storms and reduces debris accumulation.

  • Detailed Steps:

  1. Use pruning shears or a saw to trim branches that are within 6-10 feet of your roof.

  2. Be cautious not to damage the tree or the roof during trimming.

  3. Consider hiring a professional arborist for large or difficult-to-reach branches.

Check and Repair Flashing:

  • Task: Inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights.

  • Why: Proper flashing prevents water from seeping into your home.

  • Detailed Steps:

  1. Look for cracks, rust, or loose sections of flashing.

  2. Use roofing cement to seal small cracks or gaps.

  3. Replace damaged sections of flashing as needed.

Practical Tips:

  • Tip: Install impact-resistant shingles to protect your roof from hail damage.

Armor Roofing Services:

  • Armor Roofing provides comprehensive roof inspections and repairs to ensure your roof is ready for spring weather. Schedule a free inspection with us today.

Summer: Defending Against Heat and Storms

Inspect and Clean Roof Ventilation:

  • Task: Ensure your roof’s ventilation system is clean and functioning correctly.

  • Why: Proper ventilation helps regulate attic temperatures, reducing the strain on your roofing materials.

  • Detailed Steps:

  1. Check that vents are clear of obstructions such as leaves or bird nests.

  2. Clean the vents with a soft brush or vacuum.

  3. Ensure that intake vents at the soffits and exhaust vents at the ridge are balanced and unobstructed.

Check for Loose Shingles:

  • Task: Look for and secure any loose shingles.

  • Why: Loose shingles can be easily blown away by strong winds, leading to leaks.

  • Detailed Steps:

  1. Carefully lift each shingle to check if it’s securely fastened.

  2. Use roofing nails to secure any loose shingles.

  3. Apply roofing cement to seal the edges of the shingles.

Apply Reflective Coatings:

  • Task: Consider applying a reflective coating to your roof.

  • Why: Reflective coatings help keep your home cooler and reduce energy costs.

  • Detailed Steps:

  1. Clean the roof surface thoroughly.

  2. Apply the reflective coating evenly using a roller or spray.

  3. Allow the coating to dry completely before exposing it to rain or foot traffic.

Practical Tips:

  • Tip: Schedule a professional roof inspection before storm season to ensure your roof is in good condition.

Armor Roofing Services:

  • Armor Roofing offers ventilation system inspections and reflective coating applications to protect your roof during the summer months.

Fall: Preparing for Wind and Rain

Clean and Inspect Gutters:

  • Task: Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean and free of debris.

  • Why: Clear gutters prevent water from pooling on your roof and causing leaks.

  • Detailed Steps:

  1. Use a ladder to reach the gutters and wear gloves for protection.

  2. Remove debris with a gutter scoop and flush the gutters with water.

  3. Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.

Check for Roof Leaks:

  • Task: Look for signs of leaks inside your home, such as water stains on ceilings or walls.

  • Why: Identifying and repairing leaks early can prevent significant water damage.

  • Detailed Steps:

  1. Inspect your attic and upper floors for signs of water damage.

  2. Use a flashlight to look for water stains, mold, or mildew.

  3. Trace the source of any leaks and repair the affected areas.

Inspect Roof Flashing:

  • Task: Check the flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights.

  • Why: Damaged flashing can allow water to penetrate your roof.

  • Detailed Steps:

  1. Examine the flashing for signs of rust, cracks, or lifting.

  2. Use roofing cement to seal minor cracks or gaps.

  3. Replace any sections of flashing that are severely damaged.

Practical Tips:

  • Tip: Replace any damaged or missing shingles to ensure your roof is secure against wind and rain.

Armor Roofing Services:

  • Armor Roofing offers thorough inspections and leak repairs to prepare your roof for fall weather. Contact us for a free consultation.

Conclusion

Regular roof maintenance and preparation are essential to protect your home from Springfield, MO's severe weather conditions. By following these seasonal tips and addressing issues promptly, you can extend the life of your roof and prevent costly repairs. For professional help, trust Armor Roofing. 

 

Our experienced team is ready to assist you with all your roofing needs, ensuring your home remains safe and secure throughout the year. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and keep your roof in top condition.