Do you live in a high-wind zone? If so, you should take steps to protect your roof. A quality roof is designed to withstand the elements, but for houses in areas with frequent, gusty wind, the effect of the weather can take a toll on the roof. Take steps to protect your home now. 

Upgrade Ridge Vents

If you live in a high-wind zone that is also prone to wet weather, such as a coastal community, you must have the right ridge vents installed. During periods where the wind is heavy and it's raining, ridge vents keep water from penetrating the roof's sublayers. Sublayer moisture is one of the quickest routes to roof failure.

Standard, or base, ridge vents typically only offer minimal water-resistant qualities, which is often not enough if the wind is high and rain is heavy. People with homes in at-risk areas should install ridge vents with higher rain and wind resistance levels. A roofing contractor can help you determine what rating you need for your home. 

Replace Nails

Roof inspections are important for several reasons, but mainly because they can identify roof problems before they advance. If you live in a high-wind zone and you haven't had your roof inspected, now is the time to do so. As part of the inspection, the roofing contractor will examine the condition of the nails that support the roof. 

If they are corroded, they won't be effective much longer. Corroded nails loosen and eventually fall out, which means any gust of wind can lift the shingles. Have your roof inspected and if the contractor has concerns about the condition of the nails on the roof, go ahead and have them replaced for greater long-term protection. 

Extend Drip Edge

The drip edge is a part of the roof that helps minimize shingle lifting during periods of high wind. Similar to ridge vents, not all drip edges are designed for high-level winds. Typically, the greater the wind threat, the wider the drip edge needs to extend.

The reason an extended design is so important is that the greater the extension of the drip edge, the more overlap there is. The overlap is important because the greater the overlap, the less the edge of the shingles are exposed, which makes them less prone to lifting. If you schedule an inspection, the contractor will also be able to tell you if you need to extend the drip edge around your roof.

If you need to update your roof for improved protection, contact a residential roofing service.