The 4th of July is a wonderful time of celebration that involves family gatherings, barbeques, and fireworks. While fireworks are beautiful to watch, especially when they light up the night sky in abundant colors, they can cause significant roof damage.
If homeowners don’t take the necessary precautions before the big day, they could end up with a costly roofing accident. The cost to replace a roof is considerable, highlighting the need for you to prepare yourself and your home for Independence Day. Following these steps will help you guard the roof against potential damage on the night.
During the winter months, needles, pinecones, and other tree leaves fall off and become lodged on the roof. Consider these elements as a fire enhancer, especially when they’re dry. The slightest spark from a firework can ignite them and start a fire on your roof. To avoid this scenario, you’d be wise to clear the debris from your roof before the holiday. If you have a tarp over the roof for protection, it’s wise to remove it before July 4.
Falling fireworks are always a hazard but more so when there are trees above your roof. Overhanging branches can easily catch fire when a burning firecracker lands on them. It could get caught up among the branches and leaves to start a blaze that can cause severe roof damage. It’s best to trim these low-hanging branches before the big day to avoid a catastrophe.
Why not let a roofing contractor inspect the condition of the roof? They will identify issues such as tiny holes and patch them up before the fireworks begin on the night of the 4th of July. Sparks from fireworks can enter through the tiniest of holes in your roof. If you have an attic, the situation is greatly enhanced because a fire could be almost impossible to stop.
If you’re planning on lighting fireworks to celebrate, you should do it away from any structures. Perhaps start your fireworks show at a decent distance from the roof to protect it.
Single story homeowners can douse the roof with water just before the fireworks go off for the evening. Naturally, if your roof is wet, fireworks that land while still lit will simply die, avoiding the ignition of a fire. We don’t recommend doing this for a double-story home as you could cause more damage to the roof. Furthermore, you must have a professional roofing contractor evaluate the condition of the surface before hosing it down with water.
If you’re hosting friends and family, resist the temptation to watch the fireworks display from your roof. We understand that it’s better to get a view of the night sky, but even the strongest roof can buckle under the weight of a group of people.
DB3 Roofing has been around for over 20 years, operating in seven states. We are a fully certified contractor and have associations with the Better Business Bureau, Good Contractors, Roofing Contractors Association of Texas, and the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association. Instead of reaching out to us after sustaining roof damage, consider being proactive and having our friendly team inspect your roof before the 4th of July to prepare you to be fireworks-ready.
