It’s one of our favorite times of the year! Fun with family, tasty BBQ and cold watermelon, and celebrating our freedom. But when the sun goes down, the mini-pyrotechnics show in the neighborhood can rain down sparks and debris all over your home.
Shingled homes are fairly safe from a few unruly embers. But any cracked, broken, or missing shingles can expose the material underneath them (such as roof felt paper and wood decking) which is extremely combustible – making your roof very susceptible to catching fire.
Here are a few suggestions on how to protect your home and roof from damage due to fireworks.
Remove Branches
Even though fireworks burn hot only briefly, it takes just a few seconds to catch a tree branch on fire that is hanging too low on your roof. Make sure to cut those branches and limbs to reduce potential fires.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters are another place where dry foliage collects and can be a potential fire hazard. Dried leaves can catch fire quickly, so keep them from collecting in the gutters or other flat areas on the roof.
Inspect the Roof
Be sure to check your roof for damage that you may not know exists. Holes in the roof can allow sparks into the attic where non-fireproof items can catch fire. Even old limbs laying on your roof can be a fire hazard. Call us at Whirlwind Roofing for an inspection or if repairs or replacement are necessary.
Have a Hose Handy
If you live in a neighborhood with a lot of fireworks it doesn’t hurt to have a water hose available to extinguish any large debris that lingers on your roof.
Meet your Neighbors
Planning on going out of town or attending a community fireworks show? Our advice is to know your neighbors and determine what their plans are so they can keep an eye on your home.
Climbing on the Roof
One final piece of advice is not to climb up on your roof to get a better view of the neighborhood fireworks show. It is too dangerous and you could easily slip and fall.
Enjoy your Fourth of July!
We are very grateful for our freedom and for those who sacrifice to protect it. Thank a Veteran or active service member for their sacrifice this upcoming holiday. And most of all, stay safe friends!
We hope this information is valuable to you and your family. Please call us at 918-366-3341 if we can be of assistance to you.
Brooke Laizure
Owner, Whirlwind Roofing & Construction
