Prepare Your Home for a Tornado with a Roof Inspection and Other Precautionary Efforts

Tornado season depends largely on where you live, but generally speaking, there are more occurrences between the months of March and June. Still, a tornado can form any time of year. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, roughly 1,200 tornadoes impact the United States annually.

Many people stock up on supplies like water and flashlights in preparation of outages but neglect to take action to protect their roof from impending harsh winds. There’s a common misconception that you just have to ride out a storm and deal with any consequences later.

We’re here to tell you that’s not the case, and there are things you can do ahead of time to help curb roof damage. Start with these seven tips.

Tip 1: Get a Roof Inspection

A roof inspection is one of the best ways to minimize tornado damage. This should be done as part of routine maintenance anyway, but during storm season, it can be especially beneficial.

Roofing professionals like us can spot signs of wear and tear and address any areas of concern before a tornado arrives. Shingles that are missing or damaged will allow the elements more access to the protective layers underneath. If you have a tiled roof, those that are loose can be swept up in high winds and become dangerous projectiles.

Our free roof inspections include 21 checkpoints, helping us clearly identify any expected repairs or parts upgrades for your ventilation, flashing, gutters, roof decking, and more and giving you added peace of mind.

Tip 2: Clean Your Gutters

As the landscape begins to thaw in spring, debris on your roof slides down to your gutters. As you can imagine, this creates a lot of buildup and can obstruct water from properly draining off your roof.

This becomes a larger problem in a storm. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool on your roof, leak into your home, and even flood your yard, often leading to costly repairs. With clear gutters, on the other hand, water will be directed off your roof and away from your home exactly like it’s supposed to be.

When you clean your gutters, be sure to also check for any loose screws that are holding the metal to your roof. By securing these, you can decrease the risk of your gutters getting torn off by a tornado.

Tip 3: Clear Your Roof of Debris

Any debris that doesn’t make it into your gutters is still on your roof and should be removed to avoid roof damage during a tornado. This task is often overlooked, but wind gusts can make loose sticks and other objects airborne, which can be quite destructive.

Roof debris can also cause issues if you experience precipitation before or after a tornado. The debris can retain moisture that results in mold and rot – a recipe for extensive roof repair.

Tip 4: Trim Your Trees

Tree limbs and branches are major contributors to roof damage. And they don’t even have to land on your roof to be harmful. Those that are simply in close proximity can touch your roof when swaying in strong winds and damage or even pull off shingles.

Dead branches are particularly susceptible to flying off and falling on your roof. Depending on their size, branches can crack roof beams and, in extreme cases, break through your roof completely.

Have a landscaper inspect your trees and eliminate any weak spots. If you had your trees pruned in fall, you should still have them checked in spring. The weight of the snow in winter could have raised a red flag that wasn’t there before.

Tip 5: Secure or Stow Away Outdoor Furniture and Decor

Tornadoes can make patio furniture, lawn decorations, and any other loose outdoor items disastrous flying objects. If there’s any indication of inclement weather in the forecast, you should tie down or store these items in a safe place to prevent roof damage to your home – or someone else’s.

Even if these items don’t land on your roof, they can damage other parts of your home and end up compromising your roof’s structural integrity. If an object breaks a window, for example, heavy winds can create a significant change in pressure inside your home that can lift off your roof entirely.

Tip 6: Review Your Insurance Policy

Of course, no one wants to be a victim to roof damage, but it’s important to be prepared. This includes reviewing your homeowners’ insurance policy to verify it’s up to date and refresh your memory on what’s included in your coverage. You may also want to download a claims form in case you can’t access your policy online due to power outages later on.

At Vision Construction, we’ve built professional relationships with all major insurance carriers over the years and will work with you to secure the funds you need should you face roof damage.

Tip 7: Have Tarps on Hand

Tarps can be hard to come by after a tornado, so it’s a good idea to purchase some ahead of time. They’ll come in handy if you need to make any temporary repairs to prevent any additional damage.

Roofs are dangerous places, though, and even more so when there’s evidence of damage. Climbing on the roof should be left to experts in the field. If your roof is leaking or has sustained damage during severe weather, we can cover the area with a woven plastic tarp and wood strips until your repair is finished.

Protect Your Home Today and Schedule a Roof Inspection with Vision Construction

When it comes to storm damage roof repair in Kansas City and beyond, you deserve to partner with a roofing company you can trust.

We’re licensed and insured throughout areas of Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, and Louisiana and care deeply about every client we serve – whether you have minimal roof damage or need a full roof replacement. Our roof repair contractors pay close attention to detail to ensure we’re meeting your expectations and creating a hassle-free, low-stress experience.

To help lower your risk of roof damage, we’re there for you before a storm hits. Through our 21-point roof inspection, we can determine the best course of action to get your roof in tip-top shape.

Call us at 816-743-4156 or fill out our quick and easy contact form to learn more and request a free inspection.