Your outdated roof may not look the greatest, but as long as it has not sprung any leaks, if you are like a lot of homeowners, you will just try to weather the storms through tornado season. It is always best to keep your roof as sound as possible and have it maintained by a professional when you can. However, there are a few things you can handle on your own if you have to wait to get professional repairs and you are concerned that high winds will be bringing with them a lot of roof damage. Here are three tips you should keep in mind as a homeowner to prepare your outdated roof for tornado season.

Tighten Loose Hardware

The roof of just about any home is composed of several different elements, some of which have nothing to do with the actual roofing material. For example, the metal flashing that guards jointed roofing edges and seals the areas around chimneys and vent pipes is a component that may not get a lot of attention. All of these extra pieces should be tightly secured when the windy season is approaching. Even a loose piece of metal flashing left flapping in the wind can cause a lot of damage to roofing shingles or metal roofing sheets. So, grab a drill and a few screws and tighten up any hardware that may be loose and look for any roofing components that are lacking in stability.

Use Silicone to Secure Loose Shingles

If when the wind blows you spot loose shingles raising and flapping, it is best to secure these shingles before tornado season arrives. Don't make the mistake of trying to use a nail and hammer or even a drill to fasten loose shingles, because if they are already in disrepair, the extra force could cause them to just fall apart. Instead, you should get a good tube of silicone caulking or adhesive and reattach any shingles that could be in danger of blowing away in high winds.

Never Leave Missing Pieces Unattended

With high winds during tornado season, even a missing shingle can leave your roof extremely vulnerable. One gap in roofing material can leave space for the wind to push beneath the rest of the roofing materials, which could mean you will be left dealing with large sections of a bare roof after a big storm. If you have shingles or roofing tiles that are missing, it is always best to have them replaced by a roofing contractor.

In the end, any small thing you can do to help your outdated roof hold on just a bit longer will be a good thing, especially when high winds are a big threat where you live. If you think your outdated roof may not make it through the next big storm, talk to a roofing contractor for more advice and information. To find out more information, contact a business like Fredericksburg Builders.