Here in Nashville, we’re all too familiar with the unpredictability of Tennessee weather patterns. One minute the sun’s shining bright, the next, we’re battening down the hatches for heavy rain, wind, or worse. That’s why staying on top of roof care is so critical for Middle Tennessee homeowners. Let’s take a closer look at how our rollercoaster climate impacts local roofs and when emergency services can help.
Storm Damage in Tennessee
Weather Patterns in Tennessee
From thunderstorms to tornadoes, the Volunteer State sees more than its fair share of tumultuous weather. On average, nearly 31 tornadoes touch down annually, which hits residential roofs particularly hard.
Tennessee is part of what they call “Dixie Alley,” which is similar to the famous “Tornado Alley” in the Great Plains, but with some notable differences. Dixie Alley is known for tornadoes that strike at night and can happen year-round, not just during the typical “tornado season.” This means our roofs take a constant beating from high winds and debris that can lead to costly damage.
Given the frequency of severe weather in Tennessee, keeping close tabs on your roof’s condition is critical. Thorough roof inspections and upkeep routinely throughout the year are critical.
Roof Impact
When thunderstorm winds or tornado force gusts blast through, even sturdy Nashville roofs take a beating. Shingles get lifted, nails pull loose and sudden openings allow water intrusion. Hailstorms bring golf ball-sized hailstones that dent and hole shingles, and send debris projectiles onto the roof. Even hidden damage from winds and hail can have disastrous effects long-term.
Left unaddressed, storm damage sites fester over time and open your home up to costly water damage, leaks, mold growth, and rotting structural beams. That’s why after major storms, it’s critical to get a professional assessment of your roof’s condition. The smallest overlooked puncture can bring big headaches later.
What to Expect from Emergency Roof Repair
Initial Evaluation
Once you call for emergency repairs, expect the roofer’s first priority to conduct a start-to-finish inspection and address any immediate safety issues. Modern tools like infrared cameras and moisture meters help identify covered damage and water intrusion you can’t spot with the naked eye. It takes this level of scrutiny to fully understand a roof’s post-storm state so that all necessary fixes get addressed.
Temporary Fixes
After fully documenting roof damage, emergency roofers move swiftly to implement temporary protective measures while permanent repair plans take shape. Priority one is shielding the building interior from additional water intusion, which could cause further issues.
A common quick fix is industrial-grade tarpaulins secured over punctured zones, missing shingles, or openings where wind peeled surfaces back. Though temporary, commercial tarping blocks rainfall and prevents further degradation as repairs are scheduled. Skilled crews may also construct temporary truss structures if critical impact points compromise roof deck integrity.
Permanent Solutions
Once temporary relief is in place, roofing pros shift focus to permanent restorative measures using quality building materials installed by seasoned pros. Precision repairs not only seal out moisture but also restore structural stability, drainage flow, and roof longevity. They survey options on in-kind shingle replacement versus full re-roof needs, depending on damage severity.
Vital to a roof’s lifespan is scheduling semi-annual maintenance checks even after repairs are complete. This allows early detection of wear to maximize a roof’s durability, often to double the expected performance lifetime. Reaching out to the same crew familiar with your roof’s repair specifics proves extremely valuable over time.
Tarping Services in Nashville
Purpose and Benefits
Installing heavy-duty tarps serves as an essential first response following wind and hail storms, which compromise Nashville roof coverings. The primary function is to prevent additional rainfall from leaking through openings into attics, walls, and living spaces.
Skillful tarp coverage blocks moisture until damaged sections can be fully repaired and resealed. This mitigates further issues like toxic black mold formation and structural weakening if unchecked water ingress persists.
Installation Process
For optimal storm protection, tarping starts with cleaning and prepping the roof surface to make sure it’s smooth and free of debris. After that, the membrane strips are laid out in the sun for about 15 minutes to acclimate, then cut to the right size. The roofers align and stick the strips onto the roof, overlapping the seams for a secure fit. No need for torches or extra adhesives, just a few tools and some careful rolling to ensure everything sticks well.
What Other Emergency Services Does Austermiller Provide?
Beyond tarping and roof repairs, Austermiller provides a full suite of vital rebuilding services following damaging Middle Tennessee storms. Our rapid response crews have specialized expertise, equipment, and materials to address common issues homeowners face.
Fixing Missing or Busted Shingles
High winds inevitably loosen residential shingle installations over time. Storm conditions sharply accelerate this, tearing shingles completely off in many cases. Wherever missing or cracked shingles occur, the Austermiller team replaces or repairs them to re-establish a consistent protective barrier. We ensure full, code-compliant integrity is restored.
Sealing Pipe Boot Leaks
In storm aftermaths, one overlooked area is pipe boot seals around vents/ducts protruding through the roof. The violent conditions often stretch these flexible coverings beyond capacity which leads to leaks. Austermiller techs seal any compromised boots with fresh UV-resistant materials that expand/contract with seasons to prevent water intrusion.
Dealing with Tree Troubles
During storms, weakened trees or overhanging limbs inevitably crash down onto Nashville homes. We safely remove and dispose of the vegetative debris. Then Austermiller’s crews inspect for any structural or shingle damage caused by falling trees so necessary repairs can be made. This brings peace of mind that the full extent of storm effects have been addressed.
Keep Your Roof Safe With Austermiller
There’s no denying Middle Tennessee weather keeps us on our toes. Severe thunderstorms bring roof-ripping winds, tornadoes and hailstones wear shingles thin, and saturated soil sends trees crashing down. Any storm aftermath means potential trouble for Nashville roof coverings.
With homes at risk, reliable emergency roofing services prove essential during turbulent times. Tarping, swift debris clearance, durable structural repairs, and shingle replacement must happen quickly to ensure safety and prevent secondary storm damage. Trusted local roofers like Austermiller have the experience and responsiveness to address storm issues head-on.
Don’t wait until leaks arise or worse – get out ahead with maintenance. Nashville homeowners who take a vigilant long view in caring for one of their most important assets will be rewarded with maximum roof lifespan. Partnering with responsive pros like Austermiller takes the stress out of weathering whatever comes your way.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the most important thing a homeowner can do when prepping for storm season?
Having an updated homeowner’s insurance policy that accurately reflects your home’s value and covers relevant damage types. Also, maintain a relationship with a trusted local roofer for inspections and have their contact info handy before storms hit.
Anything you think a homeowner would be interested in hearing about with infrared imaging?
Infrared tech allows roofers to identify hidden storm damage and moisture that may infiltrate behind walls undetected otherwise. It takes the guesswork out of assessing and pinpoints issues early before secondary damage arises. This comprehensive view is invaluable for homeowners.
When Should I Have My Roof Inspected?
- After a storm: If you need to make a storm damage claim, your insurance company will likely require a roof inspection. Typically, the insurance company will send its own inspector to validate the claim.
- Periodic inspection: Different roofing materials have varying lifespans. It’s crucial to regularly monitor your roof’s condition. Once your roof reaches half of its expected lifespan, schedule a professional inspection every three to four years. In harsh climates, consider more frequent inspections; in milder areas, less frequent ones may suffice. A good rule of thumb is to plan inspections before the colder months to provide pleanty of time for necessary repairs.
- Roof appraisal: If you’re buying a home, knowing the condition of the roof is essential. Sellers can enhance their property’s appeal by having the roof inspected and approved.
Can I Do My Own Roof Inspection?
It’s really not a good idea to inspect your own roof. While it might seem easy enough, most roofing issues happen in tricky spots like valleys and where rooflines meet, which can be hard to see from the ground. Plus, climbing onto your roof can be dangerous if you’re not trained. That’s why we recommend reaching out to Austermiller Roofing. Our professionals have the expertise to spot potential problems and fix them before they turn into major issues.