Lifestyle

How to Prepare Your Roof for Storms and Hurricanes: A Comprehensive Guide

Published

2 years ago

September 10, 2023

Your home is in grave danger from storms and hurricanes, and your roof is especially vulnerable. If your roof is not adequately reinforced, the combination of powerful winds, torrential rain, and airborne debris can cause significant destruction. It’s essential to take a proactive approach by strengthening and bolstering your roof before any impending storm in order to protect both your property and the safety of your loved ones. In this post, we’ll look at useful tips for putting your roof in shape to endure storms and hurricanes.

Inspect and Maintain Regularly

The first step in storm and hurricane preparedness is to perform regular roof inspections. Inspecting your roof at least twice a year can help identify and address issues before they become major problems. Look for loose or damaged shingles, cracks in the roofing material, and signs of water damage in your attic. Address any problems promptly to ensure your roof is in top condition when a storm approaches.

Reinforce Weak Spots

Identify any weak spots in your roof, such as areas with loose shingles, damaged flashing, or gaps around vents and chimneys. Reinforce these areas by replacing or repairing damaged materials. Use roofing cement or sealant to secure loose shingles and seal any gaps that could allow water infiltration.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Overhanging branches can become dangerous projectiles during a storm or hurricane. Trim back trees near your home to prevent them from causing damage to your roof. Additionally, keeping trees well-maintained reduces the risk of branches falling onto your roof during high winds.

Install Hurricane Straps

Hurricane straps or clips can help secure your roof to the walls of your home, preventing it from being lifted off during strong winds. These metal connectors are typically installed at the roof-wall intersection and provide extra stability in severe weather conditions. Consult a roofing professional to determine the best type of hurricane straps for your roof.

Reinforce Roof Decking

The roof decking is the layer beneath your roofing material. It provides structural support for your roof. Strengthening your roof decking can enhance its ability to withstand hurricane-force winds. Consider installing thicker plywood or OSB (oriented strand board) and ensure it is properly nailed or screwed down.

Invest in Impact-Resistant Shingles

Consider upgrading your roofing material to impact-resistant shingles. These shingles are designed to withstand high winds and resist damage from hail and flying debris. They can significantly improve your roof’s resilience during a storm or hurricane.

Secure Loose Items

Before a storm hits, secure or remove loose items from your roof, such as antennas, satellite dishes, and loose debris. These items can become projectiles during high winds and cause damage to your roof and neighboring properties.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are free from debris and clogs. Properly functioning gutters and downspouts will help divert rainwater away from your home, preventing water damage and potential leaks.

Consider Roof Coatings

Elastomeric or reflective roof coatings, for example, can add an additional layer of protection to your roof. These coatings can help your roof be more durable and watertight while also reflecting heat and cutting down on energy expenditures.

Getting your roof ready for storms and hurricanes is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your house and your family. By following these suggestions and taking proactive measures to reinforce and maintain your roof, you can significantly reduce the chance of storm-related damage. Always seek the advice of roofing experts before making any big repairs or modifications, as their knowledge can significantly impact your roof’s capacity to endure severe weather occurrences.

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.