Preparing Your Home’s Roof for Hurricane Season
As a roofing expert on LocalProBook , I can tell you that while there’s no such thing as a hurricane-proof roof, there are several measures you can take to protect your roof and, consequently, your home from hurricane damage. Research from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that hurricane winds are intensifying, and more people will be affected by hurricanes. While some years may see more hurricanes than others, the general trend points to increasing damage. This makes it even more important to take steps to safeguard your home, especially during hurricane season. Here’s how roofs handle hurricanes and practical steps you can take to reinforce your roof.
How Hurricanes Impact Roofing
The performance of roofs during hurricanes varies significantly. Some roofs remain intact, while others suffer severe damage, including roof trusses being blown off entirely. The key factors influencing your roof’s resilience during a hurricane include the location of your home, the strength of the structural connections, the shape of the roof, and other architectural choices.
Hip roofs, for instance, fare better in hurricanes compared to gable roofs. The flat face of a gable roof catches the wind, whereas the angle of a hip roof can better withstand the pressure. Research from civil engineers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology indicates that low-slope roofs experience higher wind loads and perform worse in hurricanes than steep-slope roofs. Specifically, roofs with a 7:12 pitch perform the best under high wind conditions.
Even structurally sound and well-attached roofs can suffer during hurricanes due to extreme wind forces driving rain horizontally at the structure. This wind-driven rain can hit the roof from the side, potentially for hours, posing a significant challenge for roofing materials and systems. Any small gap in flashing, missing shingles, or holes in the roof can allow water into the home. Wind can rip off pieces of roofing material, creating a chain reaction that strips shingles or underlayment, exposing the decking to soak and causing major leaks.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you can take multiple layers of risk reduction to protect your home. First, adhere to building codes. Second, follow construction best practices. Third, obtain homeowners insurance policies and purchase additional insurance to cover hurricanes and flooding if your standard policy doesn’t. These three elements of risk reduction can provide excellent protection during a hurricane, though FEMA acknowledges there will always be some residual risk during extreme events.
Steps to Protect Your Roof During Hurricane Season
I understand that while you can't make your roof entirely hurricane-proof, there are numerous steps you can take to safeguard it and minimize potential damage. Hurricanes are becoming more intense, and taking proactive measures is crucial. Here’s how you can prepare your roof for hurricane season.
Schedule a Preseason Roof Inspection
Getting your roof inspected by a professional roofer before hurricane season begins is essential. This allows them to identify and fix potential issues such as bent flashing or missing shingles that could make your roof more vulnerable. Pay special attention to the edges of the roof, including fascia and soffit boards. Routine maintenance, like cleaning gutters and trimming nearby tree limbs, also helps protect your roof. Ensure you have your roofer’s updated contact information for any post-storm emergencies.
Opt for High-Performance Roofing Products
Choose roofing materials that offer wind warranties up to 150 mph (210 km/h). For example, Class H shingles are designed to handle high winds. Some manufacturers recommend specific installation practices for high-wind areas, which can enhance your roof’s resilience. Using quality underlayment, such as synthetic options that offer better moisture protection, can also help reduce water damage even if shingles are blown off.
There are some Class H shingles:
The choice of underlayment significantly affects your roof's performance. At a minimum, your roof should have an ice and water protector to provide basic defense against moisture. Opting for synthetic underlayments is a smart move, as they offer superior moisture protection compared to traditional felt. If some shingles are blown off, the proper underlayment can minimize the amount of water that infiltrates your home, providing an extra layer of security.
Adhere to Building Codes
Ensuring your roof meets current building codes can provide additional protection. For example, recent updates to the Florida Building Code include requirements for a secondary water barrier and additional fastening. These changes are designed to improve roof performance during high winds. Consult your roofer to see if upgrading your roof to meet new building codes is advisable.
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Install Hurricane Ties
Hurricane ties strengthen the connection between your roof truss and the home’s structural elements, helping to prevent roof blow-offs in high winds. Consider adding or inspecting existing hurricane ties for any signs of corrosion or damage.
Consider the FORTIFIED? Program
The FORTIFIED? program, run by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), offers guidelines to improve your roof’s performance during hurricanes. The program’s standards, which include sealing the roof deck and using a thicker drip edge, exceed typical building codes and can help your home withstand severe storms. Ask your roofer about meeting FORTIFIED? standards.
Address Roof Repairs Promptly
Fix any roof issues before a storm hits, especially those related to roof vents, which can become leak points. Choose hurricane-rated roof vents and have them installed by a reputable roofer to prevent leaks and other vulnerabilities.
Protect Skylights
Skylights are vulnerable during hurricanes. Modern skylights come with tempered glass or plastic to reduce the risk of dangerous shards. Consider replacing existing skylights with hurricane-resistant models or covering them with a metal cage, plywood, or skylight shutters.
Secure Roof Documentation
Take “before” pictures of your roof for insurance purposes. Capture overall views and close-ups, especially of areas like chimneys and skylights. Save these photos in cloud storage along with digital copies of any warranties.
Store Potential Projectiles
Remove or secure loose objects in your yard, such as lawn furniture and toys, as they can become dangerous projectiles during a hurricane. These items can cause significant damage to your roof and home.
Verify Your Home Insurance
Ensure your homeowner’s insurance covers hurricane and flood damage. In the U.S., you can purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Verify that your coverage is sufficient to cover the cost of roof replacement if necessary.
Have a Tarp Ready
Having a tarp on hand can be useful for temporary repairs after a storm. Roofers often use tarps to cover damaged areas until permanent repairs can be made. While having your tarp is wise, leave the installation to professionals for safety reasons.
Final Thoughts on Protecting Your Roof from Hurricanes
As an experienced specialist, I recommend discussing these steps with your trusted roofer, who can offer specific advice tailored to your roof’s needs. In the event of hurricane damage, knowing your financing options for roof replacement and repair can help ensure quick and effective restoration. Be prepared this hurricane season to protect your home and roof from potential damage.