Securing your Roof Before and After a Storm
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The hurricane and storm season is here, and Texas is one of the most affected states in the US. Harvey, Katrina, and Nicholas, along with many other storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, have wreaked havoc and devastation over the years. These are natural weather phenomena, and it is impossible to predict how severe the damage will be due to any of these. One can only be prepared by ensuring that the home is as secure as possible. In a storm or hurricane, the most affected is the roof. It takes the brunt of the fury, protecting the home or building from the elements. So it makes absolute sense to check on the roof and inspect it for any damage or wear and tear regularly by calling The Roof Joker, the premier Austin roofing company.
That rain and high-speed winds will be part of the storm are a given. Both of these can cause excessive damage on their own. Strong winds can loosen the tiles or shingles, causing gaps and cracks allowing rainwater to seep through, weakening the roof and causing it to sag. The moisture can seep into the home, rot the wood, and collect in hollow spaces causing mildew and mold to form - a dangerous health hazard. Regular roof inspections by an expert roofer will ensure that the roof is looked after and is in pristine condition despite the bashings from natural elements.
Damage due to rain and wind
In a storm, at times, the wind speeds are so high that it causes the roof to fly away literally! The real reason for it is not the speed of the wind, it is due to the difference in pressure outside and within the house. Winds flow from high pressure to low pressure, so if there is a strong wind blowing in the area, you are in an area of low pressure. In contrast, the pressure inside the house is higher than outside, and this pressure actually causes the roof to be blown away. Often during a storm, windows blow out and crack from the inside rather than the outside. This is also due to differences in air pressure within and without.
Another hazard due to rain and wind is debris, uprooted trees or branches and leaves that get flung around. These can block the gutters in the roof, clogging the gutters. The collected water can then cause cracks and seepage or break tiles or shingles.
Damage due to Hail
Besides wind and rain, hail can cause widespread damage to a roof. The strongest roof system, when pelted with even small hailstones for a long duration, will show signs of damage. Hail causes little indentations, and with larger hailstones, cracks or holes may also form even in metal roofs. Roofing companies near me can help at times like these - call in The Roof Joker and have them assess the damage immediately after a hailstorm and secure the roof from further damage. Hail can damage the shingles, gutters, and flashing of the roof, as well as the chimney.
After the storm
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