In Tampa, FL, we’re never too far from the next hurricane season. Preparing your roof for heavy rains and wind starts with getting regular roof maintenance, and the practical steps you take now will pay off later when the storms roll in.
Roof Maintenance for Tampa, FL
Generally, here’s what you want to be doing to ensure your roof is always ready:
- Keeping an eye on the roof all year
- Checking and clearing gutters and downspouts regularly
- Sealing any holes
- Trimming nearby tree branches back
- Replacing or repairing damaged areas
Checking the Roof
Regularly walk around your property and look up at the roof from several angles. Look for missing or curled shingles, cracked seals around vents, or gaps in the flashing. If you’re able, climb up (or use binoculars) to spot where junk has collected in valleys or around a chimney. All those leaves, twigs, and dirt hold moisture and add weight, which can cause sagging or leaks when the heavy rains arrive. Remove all this if you can do it safely, or call a professional to make sure it’s done right.
Care for Your Gutters
Clogged gutters force rainwater to overflow and run down the side of your house or back up under the roof edge. You can clean these out yourself with a ladder and gloves, but if heights make you uncomfortable, you don’t have the right ladder, your house is more than one story, or you have any other concerns, call us.
Seal Any Holes
Have a professional regularly examine the seals around all your roof penetrations, like chimneys, plumbing vents, skylights, and exhaust fans. These are all natural openings where water loves to enter. We can apply fresh roof sealant or caulk to any cracked or missing spots, and we’ll make sure it bonds well and creates a watertight barrier.
Trim the Trees
High winds can turn those tree branches that hang over your house into battering rams that can punch holes in the roof or scrape away shingles. You should trim any limbs that come within ten feet of the roof so they cannot touch the roof during a storm. Hire a certified arborist if the branches are large or if they’re near power lines.
Replace or Repair any Damage
Check the condition of your roof’s edge and any exposed fascia boards. If it’s an emergency and the storm is coming soon, you can secure any loose sections with exterior screws or nails driven into the solid wood, but beware that this can cause long-term damage as water seeps around the nails or screws, so call a professional if you have time or get us out there after the storm to deal with it thoroughly. If you notice soft or spongy areas, replace the damaged wood before the next rain.
At Revive My Roof, we have helped countless homeowners get their roofs storm-ready through our eco-friendly cleaning and restoration methods. Call us today at 248-266-5169 for a free roof inspection. We serve most of Florida from our bases in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando. We also serve Detroit, MI, Dallas, TX, Richmond, VA, and Nashville, TN.
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