If you live in an area where you can get hit with hurricanes or the strong storms that come along the edge of hurricanes, you are going to want to make sure you know how to protect your roof from damage.

#1: Visually Inspect Your Roof Yourself

One of the best ways to take care of your roof is by keeping a close eye on your roof. You can visually inspect your roof when you are standing on the ground or get up on your roof for a closer look.

When visually inspecting your roof, you want to look out for missing or damaged shingles. Shingles that are curling up or partially torn off leave your roof exposed and increase the chances of your roof suffering water damage. If you notice any damaged shingles, you can replace them yourself or call in a roofing contractor to handle the repairs.

Next, pay attention to the flashing on your home. Make sure that the flashing is secured to your roof. If any of the flashing is loose, you are going to want to hammer it in place.

You should also go into your attic, turn off the lights, and make sure no sunlight is coming through your roof. If sunlight is coming through your roof, that means that moisture could also come through your roof, and you need to find that leak and patch it.

You want your roof to be in the best shape possible when a storm rolls through. If your roof is already damaged, the chance of your home suffering water damage greatly increases.

#2: Keep Your Roof & Gutters Clean

Second, you need to make sure you keep your roof and gutters clean. If you notice large debris accumulating on your roof, get up and remove it. Large debris can lead to water building up and damaging your roof.

Your gutters should be cleaned every few months to ensure that water flows through your downspouts and away from your home. You don't want the water to run down the siding on your home or build up around your foundation.

You can clean your roof and gutters yourself or hire a service to do so for you. When a hurricane is possible, you want your roof to be clean, and you want your gutters ready to handle all that rainfall.

#3: Yearly Professional Roof Inspection

Finally, you should get a professional roof inspection at least once a year. A professional will have the knowledge and experience to check for issues you may not even think about. They will let you know if there are any issues with your roof, and if there are, they will work with you to repair them.

When you live in an area with frequent hurricanes, you want your roof to be in the best possible shape so that it will be able to protect your home. You should keep an eye on the state of your roof and take action if you notice any damaged or exposed areas. You should also have a professional inspect and repair your roof yearly. Keeping your roof in good shape will help it withstand the damage a hurricane can bring.

To learn more, contact a roofing contractor.