6 ways to prepare your Bloomington home for the big storms ahead

Spring has officially sprung in Indiana and it’s time to bring out the patio furniture and lay on the sunscreen. While warmer weather is always welcomed after winter, it also means storms are around the corner. March has currently shown us more rain and the possibility of severe storms. So, how exactly can you prepare your Bloomington home for severe weather? Follow these helpful tips to ensure you and your home are able to weather any storm.

Take a look at your shingles from the ground level and check for shingles warping, curling and discoloration. Walk around your yard and look for broken pieces of shingles in your grass or pieces of granule around your downspouts. These are some signs that your roof took some damage from the storm and may require further attention.

Crawl into your crawl space and check your attic or attic storeroom. After a storm has passed, check this space and see if any sunlight is entering through any cracks of the roof’s planes or ceiling. If no light is able to enter, then neither should any rain next time it pours. However, if you notice any light coming through, then it is best to address this as soon as possible. The next heavy rainfall could cause a leak in your attic.

Normally, asphalt shingles will last from 20 to 25 years with favorable conditions, meaning with no significant storm damage received and no huge issues related to regular tear and wear. If you live in an area that is prone to storms, then the lifespan of your roof will be much shorter. Checking for regular signs of wear and tear will help determine the state of your roof. Signs of wear and tear include missing shingles, granule loss and finding residual debris on your yard or in your gutters.

A good gutter system is essential during rainfall season as gutters conducts water off your home and safely into your drainage system. Maintaining your gutter system and making sure it is in great condition before the storm season hits is essential. Making sure your gutters are properly installed and securely attached to your home is the best solution. Make sure no brackets are loose or missing and there is little to no debris or leaves causing blockage. If you have older gutters, make sure to check for any sign of deterioration. When needed, Oscar Roofing can install gutter guards that will filter out leaves, twigs and falling debris, helping keep your gutters clean.

Reviewing your insurance policy at least once to twice a year is essential in order to become familiar with what your insurance details and confirm your insurance is up to date and valid. Take pictures to document the state of your roof before and after a storm. This is a preventative step in case a claim needs to be made in the future.

While trees can provide nice shade and curb appeal to your home, they can be extremely dangerous when severe weather strikes. Trimming branches around your roof is a good way to prevent these from falling on your roof and shattering shingles. While there’s not much that can be done during strong winds, trimming long branches that are likely to snap off is the safest thing to do.

Helping your Bloomington home

Storms can bring strong winds, rain and other severe conditions. It is vital to know your roof is ready to handle these storms securely. Contact Oscar Roofing today to schedule a professional roof inspection in Indiana. If you wish to learn more about how to protect your home from severe storms, check out our other blogs.