Extreme weather can wreak havoc on the roof of your Illinois home. Storms, in particular, can catch Illinois homeowners off guard because of how damaging they can be. Thankfully, there are steps all homeowners can take to prepare for stormy weather. Continue below to read up on those tips and ensure your roof remains intact in the face of powerful storms.

Schedule Regular Roof Inspections

According to the State Climatologist Office for Illinois, thunderstorms deliver around 50% to 60% of the state’s annual precipitation. Given the amount of precipitation they bring, it’s no surprise that Illinois thunderstorms are notorious for causing roof damage. So, how do you protect against that kind of heavy downpour? The answer involves working with professional roofers.

Whether your roof can handle the passage of another storm is not something you can determine without taking a closer look at that part of your home. Working with a roofer is a must because they can conduct the necessary inspections. They can climb up to your roof, check for signs of damage, and tell you if additional actions are needed before the arrival of the next storm.

Neglecting those roof inspections can leave your home vulnerable. As the storm passes by your home, it may cause lasting damage to your shingles and severe leaking. An inspection will also reveal if the underlying structures of your roof can still hold up to stormy weather.

Signing up for at least one annual roof inspection is highly recommended. Schedule it around May or early June to prepare your roof for Illinois’ storm season.

Prune Tree Branches Near Your Roof

The trees growing near your property may be welcome sights when the sky is blue, but they could also present hazards during stormy weather. Tree branches positioned next to your home can damage or even dislodge your roof shingles. A broken tree branch could also come flying into your home through the skylight on your roof.

Reach out to professionals who can handle the tree pruning. Avoid handling this task yourself because accidents can happen when you’re working near your roof.

Trimming the branches should not be an issue if the tree is on your property. If the tree is established in your neighbor’s yard, you should speak to them before taking any action. Pruning the branches without requesting permission could become a problem, so make sure you have clearance beforehand.

Place a Tarp Over Your Skylight

A skylight can be a great addition to your home, but as discussed in the previous entry, it could also contribute to severe roof damage. Take preventative actions to secure your skylight before the start of the stormy season. In that scenario, the appropriate course of action would be to cover your skylight with a tarp.

Of course, a tarp would only provide sufficient protection if your skylight is still in good condition. The tarp may no longer protect your roof or home if the skylight is leaking. Get a better read on the current condition of your skylight by hiring a roofing company. Decide on the appropriate course of action once they tell you more about your skylight.

Clean Your Roof and Its Surrounding Fixtures

Regular roof cleanings are important, but they matter even more during the stormy season. Storm winds could direct debris on your roof to nearby gutters and cause clogging. Clogging may take place faster if your gutters are already covered in debris.

A thorough roof cleaning before the first storm of the season can be especially beneficial. Since that initial cleaning got rid of the debris, you may not need subsequent cleanings after each passing storm. Similar to other roof-related tasks, cleaning is a job best left to the professionals. Hire the right people to ensure proper cleaning and avoid unnecessary roof damage.

Secure Items on Your Roof and Around Your Home

Erring on the side of caution is always a good idea when preparing for a storm. Even if a potential problem seems unlikely to rear its ugly head, dismissing the possibility altogether would be unwise. With that in mind, you should look to secure items on your roof to prevent them from causing damage.

Tie down your antennas and satellite dishes to stop them from flying around. Do the same thing with any other pieces of equipment you have on your roof. Consider removing those items as well if doing so is feasible.

You should also look around your yard for items that could be swept up in storm winds and end up on your roof. Certain pieces of your patio furniture and your garden equipment could cause real damage if they are carried by fast-moving winds. Keep them in storage prior to the storm’s arrival and eliminate the possibility of them causing damage.

Sign Up for Storm Restoration ASAP

Experience is regarded as the best teacher. After an earlier storm season left your roof battered and leaking, you now understand why adequate preparation is critical. Even so, preparation may not be enough if your roof has already sustained damage. In addition to taking the necessary precautions, you should also sign up for storm restoration.

Call a professional roofer and ask them to administer the necessary repairs. Requesting their assistance is a must if you have noticed any signs of damage affecting your roof following the passage of a recent storm.

Do not pass on storm restoration simply because your roof appears to be in good condition. Storms have a way of damaging the underlying structures supporting your roof. You need the professionals to look closely at your roof to confirm that it hasn’t suffered extensive damage. Reinforcing your roof ahead of another storm season is also a worthwhile endeavor.

Professional Roof Services in Schaumburg, IL

Canga Restoration offers roof inspection, storm restoration, and other essential services to residents of Chicago, IL. Request Canga Restoration’s services if you are looking for licensed, insured, and bonded roofers. Call to schedule your service appointment.