If you have lived in or visited Washington state at any point in time, you know that the state is prone to sometimes excessively high winds. Washington state is subject to jet streams that flow from central Canada, which not only make the state quite windy, but fairly stormy as well. While this means that Washington is rather temperate and cool, it presents some problems as well. Unfortunately, roofing often takes the brunt of the damage when it comes to Washington homes. According to IBEC (International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants), eventually, if the wind force is strong enough, the tabs or shingle sections break off and can sustain heavy damage.

Fortunately, there are things that you can do to ensure that your roof is as safe as possible, no matter how strong the wind gusts become. With that being said, let's look into some of the techniques you should consider below.

1. Have Your Roof Regularly Inspected

A good roof can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, depending on the material it is made from. This means that a lot of people move into houses with older roofing, without necessarily realizing how often they should have their roofs repaired or replaced. Your roof could very well have existing damage without you even realizing it. Therefore, before you begin prepping your roof for Washington's winds, you should have your roof professionally inspected. That way, you can address any existing damage.

2. Check The Surrounding Area

Your roofing may be more likely to sustain serious damage if the surrounding area is not prepared for high winds as well. This means that you'll want to look at the trees surrounding your roof to ensure that their branches do not hit your roof and cause damage. You'll also want to be aware of any items in your yard that could become airborne from the wind.

3. Reinforce Installations

Your roofing installations like gutters, chimneys, and vents need to be reinforced before high winds hit. These installations could be damaged or could be ripped off of your roof, causing damage to the roof itself.

Ultimately, your roof is meant to protect the rest of your house. However, it cannot do so if it is not properly prepared for the winds to come. Begin preparing today!