How to protect your roof from water damage

As you work on safeguarding your home, take it from the top and maintain your roof. If you don't, weather and day-to-day wear and tear could lead to bigger costs down the road.

Your roof and its connection points to your house can be the most vulnerable areas when a storm hits.

Unfortunately, many roofs aren't sealed, meaning there's no protective layer between the tiles or shingles and the roof deck. So if the roof covering blows off as a result of high winds, the roof deck or ceiling could be left exposed.

You may want to make sure your roof is protected if:

• You live in an area that's prone to high wind, heavy rain, hail or hurricanes.
• You can afford to add protection to your roof. According to HomeAdvisor research, the average cost to seal a roof ranges from approximately $500 to $2,300. The cost can vary based on your current roof type and condition, size of your home, and sealant used. Compare this cost to your insurance policy deductible if you need to file a claim.
• You're planning on staying in your home at least a year.

What should I do if my roof is damaged?

If you need to repair or replace your roof, seek out a reputable contractor. You should also review your property insurance coverage at least yearly. Any time your finances or your property features change, you should make sure your coverage is up to date.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, or IBHS, suggests that you ask a professional to follow these affordable steps to help improve strength and resiliency when replacing your roof:

1. Install a sealed roof deck.

This is one of the best ways to help keep water out of your home if the roof cover is blown off or damaged.

According to IBHS tests, a home with a sealed roof deck has two-thirds less water damage from wind-driven rain than a home without a sealed roof deck. The institute recommends several methods to properly seal your roof deckOpens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}

2. Strengthen your frame.

Strengthen and anchor parts of your roof frame that extend out to support the overhang of your roof deck. Reinforce your roof to wall connections to better withstand high wind. Also, ask your contractor about adding ring-shank nails to increase your roof strength.

3. Examine eaves.

Have flashing installed and make sure your roof has a proper drip edge to prevent water leakage. The lower edge of a roof should extend about a half inch past the fascia board, which is the thin board that runs along the outer edge of your roof and covers the entire roofline. Also, have your soffits, or the underside of overhanging eaves, retrofitted to improve wind resistance.

4. Choose weather-resistant materials.

Install roof coverings that are made to resist high wind and impact.

When you look for ways to protect and maintain your roof today, you could save big on damage to your home tomorrow. Since things that could've been prevented may not be covered by insurance, it makes good sense to be proactive about roof damage. If you have questions about what's covered and what isn't, check your homeowners insurance policy.