Due to global warming, the overall climate of the world is changing drastically and becoming more unpredictable. Recently, throughout the world, we have witnessed extreme weather changes in the form of prolonged heatwaves, catastrophic rains, cloud bursts, and intense tropical cyclones.
The roofs of our homes are the first line of defense against extreme weather. Because of paramount changes in weather, roofs now face more stress than ever. A strong roof protects us from the atrocities of weather, so it’s very important to weatherproof it. By doing so, we can save our interiors and enjoy cozy living without worrying about the weather anymore. Moreover, a properly weatherproof roof makes your home energy efficient and enhances the value of your property.
In this blog, we will discuss 10 effective ways to weatherproof the roofs of your home. So, let’s get started!
Why Weatherproofing Your Roof is Non-Negotiable?
Before discussing the detailed ways of weatherproofing your roof, let’s first discuss why weatherproofing is very important for your home. It not only protects your home from water leaks but also protects your family. It keeps the temperature of the interior optimum by making it energy efficient. If you ignore maintaining your roof, it may cause hefty financial losses.
Prevents Expensive Repairs
Weatherproofing prevents expensive property damage by creating barriers against water and weather elements. It preserves the structural integrity of the building, prevents mold growth, protects the interior, and improves energy efficiency. So, a weatherproofed property is less likely to need expensive maintenance. Moreover, energy efficiency means lower energy bills.
Increases Roof Longevity
A weatherproof roof acts as a barrier that prevents water from seeping into the home. This protects the underlying structure against rot, mold and deterioration. If you are weatherproofing your roof, it means you are waterproofing it, too. It reduces the wear and tear of your roof and increases its overall lifespan.
Improves Energy Efficiency
When we weatherproof our homes, we seal and insulate them. During summer, the insulation won’t allow the heat to come in and keep the interior cool. In winter, the heat of the home stays in. So, less energy is required to maintain the optimum temperature of the home.
Protects Your Home’s Value
Weatherproofing increases the value of your property. So, your investment can give you a good ROI.
Keeps Your Family Safe
Weatherproofing keeps families safe by protecting homes from weather-related damage and health hazards. Weatherproofing leads to less moisture in the interior. This inhibits the growth of molds and mildews, which can cause respiratory infections and allergies.
How to Weatherproof Your Roof?
Let’s discuss how you can improve the life span of your roof by weatherproofing it properly!
1. Inspect Your Roof Twice a Year
The first step in weatherproofing your roof is inspection. It helps to spot minor issues that can later become major problems. You can inspect it by yourself. You can check for cracked or missing shingles, rust on flashing, and blocked gutters. Peep inside your attic to look for the signs of leaks, such as water stains. For a more detailed inspection, you can book a professional to inspect. A professional can spot the minor issues that can later elevate.
The perfect timing for roof inspection is in the spring and fall. If there is a sudden storm, heavy rain, or cyclone, do inspect your roof once it’s over.
2. Upgrade Your Roofing Materials
Your roof is as strong as your roofing material. If you are renovating your roof, choose the material that aligns with the climate of your region. You can use light colored metal roofing or clay tiles for sunny weather. Clay tiles reflect heat and prevent your home from overheating. Moreover, light colored roofing will absorb less light. Less heat absorption means reduced interior temperature.
In regions where rain is frequent, it’s better to use asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or concrete tiles. These roofing materials are the best choice for rainy areas because they can resist moisture. For snowy areas, slate or metal roofs are ideal because they can resist extreme temperatures and help in ice shedding.
3. Install a Waterproof Underlayment
Roofing underlayment is a waterproof protective layer directly placed on a roof deck before installing any other roofing materials. This additional feature prevents water from seeping into your roof deck and attic during heavy rain or snow.
There are many types of roof underlayment.
- Asphalt-saturated felt is made of heavier felt, which makes it more resistant to damage. It has a longer lifespan.
- Non-bitumen synthetic underlayment has asphalt for waterproofing and fiberglass for stability and elasticity. It is resistant to UV radiation, lightweight, and long-lasting.
- Rubberized Asphalt Underlayment is a combination of asphalt polymers and rubber. It is waterproof, flexible, and resistant to UV rays.
All these roofing underlayment have their own pros and cons, but professional installation makes them more effective in their functionality.
4. Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clear
Gutters are your roof’s drainage system. If they get blocked, they won’t do their drainage job properly. As a result, water starts accumulating on your roof. The accumulated water can seep into your roof. It can lead to serious damage, like leaks in the attic.
To prevent clogging of gutters, clean them twice a year. Install gutter guards to prevent debris from entering them. Check your downspouts. And make sure they direct water at least 5 to 10 feet away from your foundation. After a storm or before the predicted rainy season, it is good to inspect for unexpected blockages.
5. Seal Roof Penetrations
Small openings like chimneys, skylights, and vents can be the cause of leaks. If they are not sealed properly, they can cause water infiltration. This results in expensive water damage and mould growth.
You can seal these roof openings via roof flashing. Roof flashing is a thin metal that protects vulnerable areas on a roof from water leaks. It is made from materials like galvanized steel, copper, or aluminum. Flashing is placed over roof panels to direct water away from places like chimneys and vents. Smaller cracks and gaps can be made waterproof with the help of waterproof caulk.
Sealing these vulnerable areas prevents leaking, improves energy efficiency, and extends the lifespan of the roof.
6. Improve Attic Insulation and Ventilation
Proper insulation in your attic keeps the warm air from escaping and maintains your home at a moderate temperature without the use of much energy. Moreover, proper ventilation is very important as it prevents the growth of molds. Both ventilation and insulation of the attic help your weatherproofing last longer.
To properly insulate your attic, close the gaps around ducts, wiring, and chimneys. This prevents warm or cool air from escaping.
For stronger insulation, you can upgrade your attic insulation with fiberglass batts or blown-in cellulose. Moreover, you can add a radiant barrier under the roof deck to reflect heat in summer. This helps in lowering the overall temperature.
7. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Overhanging branches might look harmless, but they can scrape your roof. Moreover, debris from the trees can cause blockage of gutters. To avoid damage, trim the tree branches at least 10 feet away from your roof. Regular trimming reduces the chances of sudden breakage. It’s cautious to call professionals if the branches are large enough or close to electric supply lines.
8. Apply Roof Coatings
Roof coating shields your roof against sun, water, and wind damage. To weatherproof your roof perfectly, you can use different types of coatings. Silicon coatings are the best for waterproofing. Whereas acrylic coatings reflect sunlight. So, it’s ideal for hot climates. Elastomeric coating is known for flexibility and durability. For more effective outcomes, it’s best to hire a professional for the application of the coating.
9. Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams form when heat escapes from poorly ventilated attics and melts the snow on the roof; the water then refreezes to form ice dams. To prevent ice dam formation, it’s highly recommended to insulate and well-ventilate the attic to prevent warm air from escaping. One way to prevent ice dams is to use de-icing cables to melt ice and snow before they pile up. You can also use roof rakes to remove snow. Some homeowners install metal ice belts to help snow and ice slide off easily. If you already have an ice dam over your roof, it’s better to hire a professional rather than chip it off by yourself.
10. Schedule Professional Maintenance
It’s good if you are periodically inspecting your roof to check for any major or minor roof issues. However attentive you are, there are chances that you can miss a few minor clues of repair and improvement. So, it’s highly recommended to schedule professional maintenance annually. They can check for leaks, inspect flashing, clean gutters, and look for early signs of wear. Spending a little amount on annual maintenance can save you thousands of dollars later.
Read More: The Impact of the Weatherization Assistance Program on Low-Income Homes
FAQs about Weatherproof Your Roof
Why is weatherproofing a roof more important now than ever?
Due to global warming, the climate is becoming more unpredictable. Now, roofs have to face more stress than ever. A strong, weatherproofed roof is a first line of defense against these strains. It protects the interior from potential damage. It also protects your family from related health hazards.
What are the key benefits of weatherproofing a roof?
Weatherproofing has many benefits. It creates a barrier that prevents expensive property damage. It makes your home more energy efficient. A weatherproofed roof also increases its lifespan. It protects against rot, mold, and deterioration. It also improves your property’s value and provides a good return on your investment.
How do gutters and downspouts relate to roof waterproofing?
Gutters and downspouts are essential drainage systems. If they become clogged with leaves or debris, water cannot drain properly. This causes water to back up on the roof. This can lead to leaks in your attic. It can also cause costly structural damage. Keeping them is an effective step to keep your roof weatherproofed.
What role does a professional play in weatherproofing a roof?
Homeowners can perform a basic inspection. But a professional can spot minor issues that you might miss. They can perform a detailed inspection. This helps them identify problems like minor leaks. They can also do tasks like sealing roof openings, applying roof coatings. And they can make sure your insulation is proper.