Summer in New England means fun in the sun! The days are longer and warmer temperatures have arrived, but summer in New England, especially Worcester County, also means there is severe weather threats brewing. From intense thunderstorms to occasional hurricane remanence, these summer storms can pose a significant threat to your home, particularly your roof.  The impact of summer storms on your roof can lead to big, unexpected headaches, flying debris, down tree limbs, or loose shingles lifting off your home.

In New England summer storms can unleash a variety of damaging elements. Worcester County, especially, is prone to the following:

  • Torrential Downpours: Heavy rains can quickly overwhelm gutters and drainage systems, leading to water pooling on your roof or seeping into vulnerable areas, causing leaks and water damage to your homes interior. Ceilings discolor, paint begins to bubble, or soft spots begin to form. Also, poor roof drainage from heavy rains can cause foundational issues for the home due to roof water runoff.
  • High Winds: High winds can lift, tear, or dislodge shingles, especially if they are older, brittle, or improperly installed. Loose or lifted shingles can cause leaking especially to shingles on the “edge zone.”  Shingles on the edges, ridges, and eaves are the most susceptible to wind damage. Torn or missing shingles could expose your roof deck. Having an exposed roof deck can lead to rot and mold over time.  High speed winds can also lead to flashing and ridge cap failure. Metal flashing around chimneys and valleys can be peeled back or ripped off exposing the seams. High winds, falling limbs or flying debris impact the homes shingles, flashing, and ridge cap which compromises your roof’s integrity and allows for water intrusion or even collapse!
  • Lightning: While direct lightning strikes are rare, they can cause significant damage to your roof, including fires or structural compromise. Lightening generates a temperature over 50,000° F, if it strikes your roof, it can cause the roof to explode on impact. Lightning strikes to the roof can also cause hidden fires within the home’s walls, rafters or attic which can ignite hours after a strike. Lastly if lightening was to strike your homes flashings, it would act as a conduit, channeling the strike deeper into the home, damaging more than just the roof.
  • Hail: Though less common, hail can also wreak havoc on your roof. Hail can crack or puncture shingles, if you have a standing seam metal roof it can cause dings and dents, as well as, the seams to shift or loosen the fasters, and on a membrane roof hail can cause blistering or delamination to occur.

 

So, how do you ensure your home is ready for New England’s potential stormy summer weather?  Be Proactive! Proactive preparation is key to safeguarding your investment and ensuring your family’s safety.

Consider the following essential roof preparation tips to prepare your roof BEFORE the storms strike:

  1. Clear Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure your gutters are free of leaves, twigs, and other debris. Clogged gutters prevent proper water drainage, leading to overflow and potential water damage to your fascia, soffit, and even your home’s foundation.
  2. Inspect for Loose or Damaged Shingles: Visually inspect your roof for any signs of wear and tear. Look for cracked, curled, missing, or loose shingles. These are weak points that can be exploited by strong winds.  Missing or loose shingles allow water to penetrate causing your roof deck to be exposed and possibly mold/rot.
  3. Trim Overhanging Branches: Trees close to your house, especially those with dead or weak branches, pose a significant threat during high winds. To minimize the threat trim back any branches that could fall onto your roof causing shingles to fail and expose the roof deck.
  4. Check Flashing and Sealants: Flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and in valleys are crucial for preventing water intrusion. Inspect these areas for cracks or deterioration in the sealant and have them repaired, immediately, if necessary.
  5. Assess Your Attic: Head into your attic on a sunny day and look for any signs of light coming through, water stains, or leaks. This can indicate existing roof issues that need to be addressed before a storm hits.

 

How Altitude Roofing Can Help

For homeowners in Worcester County and New England, Altitude Roofing is a trusted partner in preparing for and recovering from summer storms. As experienced roofing contractors, they offer comprehensive services to ensure your roof is storm-ready and resilient:

  • Free Inspections and Estimates: Altitude Roofing provides professional roof inspections to identify potential vulnerabilities and offer clear, no-obligation cost estimates for any necessary repairs or replacements.
  • Proactive Roof Protection with our WeatherSHIELD program: Their WeatherSHIELD program is designed for proactive roof protection, offering annual inspections and detailed condition reports to keep your roof in peak condition year-round. This proactive approach can help you address minor issues before they become major problems during a storm.
  • 24/7 Emergency Services and Fast Storm Response: When severe weather strikes, Altitude Roofing provides rapid response emergency services, including immediate deployment for emergency roof tarping to prevent further damage until permanent repairs can be made in a safe manner.
  • Storm Damage Repair and Insurance Claims Assistance: If your roof sustains damage from a summer storm, Altitude Roofing offers comprehensive storm damage repair services. They also provide assistance with insurance claims, guiding you through the process to ensure you receive the support you need for recovery.
  • Quality Materials and Expert Installation: Whether it’s a repair or a full roof replacement, Altitude Roofing uses high-quality materials and ensures expert installation to provide durable, weather-resistant roofing systems built to withstand New England’s challenging climate.

Don’t wait for the next summer storm to realize your roof isn’t ready. Take proactive steps to protect your home, and consider partnering with professionals like Altitude Roofing to ensure your peace of mind.

For more information on how Altitude Roofing can help prepare your home for summer storms, visit their website: