El Niño fears drive roofing business

Weather experts have been predicting an El Niño weather pattern for a while now. California is already experience some extreme weather such as much higher than average rainfall. The predicted bad weather has got homeowners thinking about protecting their property from the coming storms. In November 2015, for instance, 20,000 new flood insurance policies were written. Cities are preparing by filling thousands of sand bags to help deal with potential flooding. But the industry that’s seeing the biggest boom is the roofing industry.

Many roofing crews are working seven days a week and getting many hours of overtime in just to help get roofs in top shape in time for bad weather. In some areas, roofing companies only have time to place emergency tarps over roofs that have sprung a leak until they have time to get back and provide a long term solution.

An important lesson

El Niño fears and the sudden rush to prepare for strong rains underscores an important lesson that homeowners would be wise to remember. Bad weather can strike at any time regardless of weather experts’ predictions so it’s important to always be prepared. It’s good that homeowners are anticipating the heavy rain and getting ready but if more homeowners had been worried about inspecting and maintaining their roofs year round, they wouldn’t be in the predicament they are in now with many waiting on roofers to have time in their schedule to fit them in.

Inspect your roof annually

Roofing experts recommend having your roof inspected at least once a year and preferably twice. The most important time to inspect is leading up to winter and again after winter as passed. A pre-winter inspection can reveal any vulnerabilities that might become problematic in harsh winter weather while a post-winter inspection can reveal any damage that the roof may have sustained during the harshest season.

Take care of roofing problems as they arise

Don’t wait for roofing problems to become huge roof leaks to call a roofer. Many of the roofs that are springing major leaks this winter should have been patched up before the rains came. If a roof inspection uncovers any damage such as cracked or curling shingles, gaps in the flashing, or other problems, these should be fixed immediately by a qualified roofer to keep the roof in top shape.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: ktvu.com/news/70248437-story

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