Preparing Your Roof For Severe Storms In Utah

Storms in Utah are a regular occurrence, and according to Utah’s State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP), the most common natural disasters in Utah are wildfires, flooding, and earthquakes. Severe weather events such as lightning strikes, tornadoes, extreme temperatures, and winter storms cause extensive disruption to the lives of people in the state. 

Are you new to the area? Do you know what to do when required to evacuate? Ready, is a government preparedness initiative offering guidelines on preparing for disasters and emergencies. They also have advice on the preparations needed forpets and large animals.     

Most people stay at home during bad weather unless instructed to evacuate. What can you do to prepare your roof for severe storms in Utah? 

Prevent Ice Dams   

In a publication on storm readiness by CertainTeed Roofing, with whom Bob Harvey Roofing is a Select Shingle Master, they state that inadequate or uneven ventilation under a roof can contribute to the formation of ice dams. Ice dams are water pooling at the eaves of a roof, and when it freezes and thaws, can separate shingles from the roof deck.   How can you prevent ice dams? 

• Regularly check attic areas, ceilings and rafters for water staining, mold, and damp insulation.
• Install the snow and ice guard specific to your type of roof.
• Limit attic heat sources such as uninsulated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and replace old recessed lights that extend up into the floor of the attic. 

Check Your Roof Regularly   

Safety is always the first consideration with Bob Harvey Roofing, as we have the expertise and gear to move around safely on roofs. Doing regular roof maintenance is important, and the safest way for home and business owners is to do a visual inspection from ground level. What signs of damage should you look for? 

• Broken, cracked or curling shingles and other loose items
• Worn paint, corrosion or rust on a metal roof
• Signs of water damage against walls and ceilings
• Rusted or blocked gutters.

If you have any concerns about the preparedness of your roof, use the free roofing inspection offered by Bob Harvey Roofing. We believe in roofing done right and want our community to be safe at all times. 

Clean Your Gutters   

As mentioned, blocked gutters is something to look for when inspecting your roof. Do you have gutter guards? During heavy rains and strong winds, debris such as leaves flow into gutters and block them. A gutter guard is wired mesh that goes over the top of gutters, preventing pine needles and oak leaves, for example, from entering the channel. 

Besides stopping larger debris from entering the gutters, what else can you do?

• Clear smaller debris from the gutters
• Check for gaps or cracks in the caulking between the building and gutters
• Tighten any loose gutters or have them replaced if necessary
• See if there are dents in the gutters that can affect the water flow.
  
  

Cut Trees That Pose A Risk   

Severe hailstorms will topple dead trees and break the tree branches of live trees. Another preventative maintenance step to take before a severe storm, is to cut trees that pose a risk, especially if they grow close to a commercial or residential building. Trim any branches hanging over the roof and remove large pieces of debris from the ground under the tree. If you have an irrigation system in the garden, remember to shut it off.   

 
Bob Harvey Roofing is a fully licensed and insured roofing company based in Layton, Utah. We are also a member of the Utah Roofing Contractors Association (URCA). After more than thirty years in the industry, Bob Harvey Roofing understands the impact severe weather has on the roofs of residential and commercial buildings in the state. We offer a free 16-point roofing inspection if you are concerned about storms in Utah.  Contact Bob Harvey Roofing today.