How to Prepare Your Roof for Cyclone Season

Is your roof ready for cyclone season? Australian meteorologists refer to the period from November to April as “cyclone season”. On average, about 11 cyclones sweep across Australia during cyclone season. And, because of the warmer temperatures, around Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, have to contend with an increase in severe storms and thunderstorms.

Naturally, if you are unprepared, the heavy rain and winds of storm season can damage your roof. And since, according to NRMA Insurance data, Australia experienced the worst storm season in 4 years, now is a good time to ensure your roof can withstand the coming severe weather.

Time is short. Use the following preparation tips to ensure your home and its roof are ready for cyclone season 2019.

Check your roof for any signs of damage

A roof is like a coat of armour. Just one chink can render it useless, especially when a severe thunderstorm hits. Strong winds can tear off loose shingles and tiles. Heavy rain can stream along a roof’s valleys and enter breaks in the seal. And hailstones can chip away at broken tiles.

Remember, all it takes is one small gap or weakness, and you could find your roof leaking in the next storm. If your roof leaks, the resulting water damage could cost you thousands to repair. Ensure that you check your roof thoroughly before the worst of Queensland’s storms hit. And, if you aren’t sure, hire a professional roofing service to carry out a thorough check of your roof.

Look for discolouration

One area you should be concerned with is discolouration. If your roofing material is terracotta, metal or concrete tile, this is especially important, because discolouration usually means moisture build-up, and these materials suffer in moist conditions. You might also notice algae, which thrives in moist conditions.

Since moisture erodes most roofing materials and causes discolouration in the process, take discolouration seriously. It might also be a sign that your roof is — or is about to start — leaking.

Unclog your gutters

Clogged gutters are especially bad during storms. The rainwater needs somewhere to go, and if your gutters are full of debris, that rainwater will instead pool on your roof. In a particularly bad storm with heavy rainfall, such pooling could put enormous strain on your roof and the underlying layers. Even a tiny weakness in your roof’s integrity could cause all that water to leak into your home.

Moreover, if that water has nowhere to go, even after the storm has long since passed, your roof will begin to rot. In turn, nasty organisms like mould and algae will then take root in and under your roof, affecting both your roof’s integrity and your health. If you haven’t had your gutters cleaned recently, hire a roofing service to clean them and make sure they are ready for severe weather.

Hire a roofing service to inspect your roof

If you aren’t sure of the condition of your roof, hire a professional roofing service to inspect it for you. Don’t attempt to inspect your roof yourself if you are unsure of what to look for or have little experience in doing so. A close-up roof inspection is risky, especially if you don’t have the right equipment or help available.

A reputable roofing company can inspect for leaks, damage and issues with your roof’s paint job. They can then carry out the necessary repair work there and then, so you can rest easy knowing that your roof will keep you safe and dry during cyclone season.

Are you worried that your roof might not be ready for cyclone season? Then get in touch with an experienced roofing service like Homestyle Roof Painters today. With their help, your roof will be ready for anything that nature throws at it!