How do I repair my roof to prevent rain from damaging my base?

In Valheim, rain can damage your base over time by reducing the durability of wooden structures. To prevent this, you must repair your roof and ensure your base is properly sheltered. Rain damage occurs when wooden pieces are exposed to the elements, so a well-constructed roof is essential for protecting your base. This guide will walk you through the mechanics of roof repair and provide step-by-step instructions to keep your base safe.\n\nFirst, you need to understand how rain damage works. Rain affects all wooden structures, including walls, floors, and roofs, but roofs are the primary defense against this damage. If your roof has gaps or is incomplete, rain will seep through and damage the interior structures. To check for gaps, look for areas where the roof pieces do not fully overlap or where there are open spaces. You can also listen for the sound of rain hitting the ground inside your base, which indicates a leak.\n\nTo repair your roof, you will need a Hammer and the appropriate building materials. The Hammer is crafted using 3 Wood and 2 Stone, which are easily gathered from the Meadows biome. Once you have the Hammer, equip it and open the building menu by right-clicking. Select the roof pieces you need to repair or replace. Common roof pieces include Thatch Roofs, Wood Roofs, and Shingle Roofs, depending on your progression in the game. Thatch Roofs are the simplest and require only Wood, while Shingle Roofs require Tar, which is obtained from the Plains biome.\n\nStart by identifying the damaged or missing roof pieces. Hover your cursor over the affected area, and if the piece is damaged, it will show a reduced durability bar. To repair it, simply select the same type of roof piece from the building menu and click on the damaged piece. This will restore its durability without consuming additional resources. If a piece is missing entirely, place a new one by selecting it from the menu and clicking where it should go. Ensure that all pieces overlap correctly to prevent leaks.\n\nFor larger bases, consider using support beams and pillars to reinforce your roof. Roof pieces have a stability limit, and if they are too far from a supporting structure, they will collapse. Use Core Wood or regular Wood to build vertical supports and horizontal beams. This not only strengthens your roof but also allows for more complex designs. For example, in the Black Forest biome, you can gather Core Wood from Pine Trees to create sturdier supports.\n\nIf you are building in a biome with frequent storms, such as the Mountains or Plains, you may need to upgrade your roof to more durable materials. Shingle Roofs, crafted using Wood and Tar, are highly resistant to weather effects and provide better protection. Tar is obtained by defeating Growths in the Plains biome or by mining Tar Pits. Upgrading your roof to Shingle Roofs is a long-term solution for bases in harsh environments.\n\nFinally, always inspect your base after heavy rain or storms. Weather events can cause unexpected damage, especially if your roof was not fully repaired. Keep a stockpile of Wood and other building materials nearby to make quick repairs. For advanced players, consider building a covered storage area near your base to keep materials dry and accessible.\n\nIn summary, repairing your roof in Valheim involves identifying gaps or damage, using the Hammer to restore or replace pieces, and reinforcing your structure with supports. Upgrade to more durable materials like Shingle Roofs for long-term protection, especially in challenging biomes. Regular maintenance and preparation are key to keeping your base safe from rain damage.