What Is The Best Roof For Hurricanes

Information About Metal Roofs

There are basically two types of metal roof systems, those that are connected directly to the roof structure where the metal panels also serve as the deck and those that are installed over a roof deck. If a single metal panel system is used, where the metal panels form the deck, any failure of the metal roof will immediately open up the interior of the home to wind and wind driven rain. Fortunately, most residential metal roofs are installed over separate roof decks and the vast majority of the roof decks are plywood or OSB sheathing.

Metal roof without deck – when the metal lifts off, the interior of the building is exposed

Metal roof products designed for installation over a separate roof deck include:

• Standing seam metal roofs, where the edges of the panels and straps attached to the roof deck are rolled and pinched together using a seaming tool.
• Long panels that snap together along one edge and have anchor points for screws or nails on the other edge that are hidden by the snap on portion of next panel or an edge cap.
• Long panels that overlap and are anchored using screws that are driven through the overlapped portion of the metal deck.
• Panel systems where the panels are designed to look like tile or a variety of other products and are mechanically attached to the roof deck.

Hurricane Straps And Roof Reinforcements

Hurricane straps add extra reinforcement against wind-damage. This is generally added to new construction but can be added to your home post-roofing its just more costly and time-consuming.

Roof reinforcements can also include a cable tie-down system. This essentially ties your roof to the foundation of your home.

Metal Roofing Tends To Win

When it comes to resisting 140 or 150 mph winds, metalroofing typically cant be beat. People are more used to seeing metal roofs oncommercial buildings, not homes, but theres no rule that says it cant beinstalled on homes.

The problem is metal is expensive and most people dont likethe look of it on their home . Youmay also have trouble finding a roofer that installs residential metal roofingsince its a somewhat uncommon choice.

There are some attributes that do make metal roofs anattractive option for homeowners. Homeowners that look hard enough can findresidential-oriented metal roofing options designed to look like normal asphaltarchitectural shingles or other common roofing materials instead of thetraditional sheet metal look people are more familiar with seeing. Theres alsothe longevity factor metal roofing can last much longer than traditionalasphalt shingles.

There are also fire-resistance benefits afforded by metalroofing. Some homeowners insurance providers will even offer rate discounts tohomeowners who have metal roofing installed.

On the other hand, theres a potential for hail to dentmetal roofing. It may not do much damage in terms of structural integrity, butit can leave a metal roof with a pock marked appearance.

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Common Roof Damage Caused By Hurricanes And High Winds

The most common damage caused by high winds is missing or damaged roofing materials. Wind can get under shingles or tiles, pulling them from the roof and exposing the underlayment. There is also often damage to the ridge vents as they are at the peak of your roof. If they are damaged, rain can quickly enter the attic and cause damage. The step flashing offers protection around vents, chimneys, exterior walls, and upper windows. If that is damaged during a hurricane, a gap will exist between the roof and the structure the flashing was designed to protect. It is also not uncommon for gutters to be damaged during hurricanes and high winds due to flying debris, tree limbs, or other factors. Skylights, vents, and attic fans are also susceptible to damage during a hurricane. Once the storm passes, be sure to check all roof structures closely or call a professional like RGB Construction to perform a thorough inspection of your roof.

The Best Shingles And Roof Designs For A Hurricane

Right now, about five hurricanes pummel the US coastline over an average three-year period. By the end of the century, though, global sea levels are projected to rise another 14 feet, which will likely make coastal storms, such as hurricanes, even more widespread and destructive. Hurricanes are a type of tropical cyclone with sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hourbut they can reach velocities of 157+ mph, and trigger floods, storm surges, and tornadoes.

Even a Category 1 hurricane has the power to pull down gutters, peel off vinyl siding, smash through roof decks, and snap tree branches that might fall onto your house, causing damage all the way down to the foundation. So if you live in an area thats vulnerable to hurricanes, you might consider investing in an impact-resistant roof that wont blow off during a particularly violent storm. Read on for our analysis of the best impact-resistant shingles, as well as roof types and shapes, that could keep you safe during the next hurricane season.

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Where To Find Roofing Grants

The federal government is less likely to offer grants than state and local governments. However, if you fall into a low- or very-low-income category, some federal grants are worth checking into. By low or meager income, the federal government means below 50 percent of area median income for very low income, and 50 to 80 percent of median income for low income.

Regardless of your income, there are options, you just need to search options available in your area.

Roofing Materials That Work For Miami Dade County And Other High

There are essentially two camps in Florida, those that live in an HVHZ and those outside of those zones. Obviously, those in the zones, will need roofs with the highest wind resistance ratings.

Some roofing manufacturers, such as Union Corrugating, have product lines that are geared specifically toward residents in HVHZs.

$8,225See Roof Costs in Your Area

Which brings us to the roofing materials that work for coastal living. In most other areas of the U.S. sunlight is a huge factor as all roofs will age over the long haul due to constant sunlight beating down on it.

With an oceanfront property, salt spray in the air must be considered. And weve already covered wind from hurricane forces. Yet, those same forces can take your average rainstorm and have you realize that horizontal, wind-driven rain that gets under overlapping roofing material, could pose a problem unlike other areas where rain tends to fall more vertically.

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Best Roofing Styles For High Winds And Hurricanes

Another factor in choosing a roof in an area that deals with high winds and hurricanes are the style. Most experts agree that a roof with multiple slopes, such as hip roofs, is better in hurricane-prone areas than gable roofs. Although gable roofs are more common due to their lower cost, they do not fare as well in high winds. The best option is a roof slope of at least 30 degrees. There are some experts who believe that a hexagon or octagon-shaped roof is the best style in areas where high winds are a problem.

Which Roofing Materials Have The Best Reputation For Standing Up To Wind Damage

There are several answers here depending on how youinterpret the question. Roof materials themselves are one thing, butinstallation type also plays a role. Theres also variation betweenmanufacturers of roofing materials.

Some roofers will swear by GAFasphalt shingles, while others will say OwensCorning or some other brand is better. Opinions vary based on subjectivepersonal preference or special features manufactured into various shingletypes.

CertainTeedis a well-respected asphalt shingle brand in part because their products must,at a minimum, provide 30 lbs. of resistance .

Owens Corning has a line of shingles, Duration,with a special SureNail® Technology strip at the top of the shingle wheretheyre nailed in. This strip is specifically designed to prevent shingles frompulling through the fasteners , a common type of roof wind damage.

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Construction Considerations For Homeowners In Hurricane

Certain roof types stand up better to hurricanes and high winds, according to a researcher at New Jersey Institute of Technology .

Dr. Rima Taher a civil engineer and special lecturer for the School of Architecture at NJIT has spent two years examining the best construction methods and materials needed to withstand hurricanes and extreme wind events.

Based on this work, Taher reached the following conclusions for home and business owners in hurricane-prone regions:

• Roofs with multiple slopes perform better in high-wind climates.

• Wind forces on a roof are uplift forces, so roofs are often blown off during a hurricane. Therefore, connecting roofs to walls is imperative.

• When designing a hurricane-resistant roof, the overhang of the roof should be limited to 20″ in length.

What Roofs Are Best For High Winds

• Homeowners,Contractors,Tornado,Hurricane,Why Metal Roofing

High winds are frequently accompanied by other climate conditions, such as thunderstorms, wind-driven rain and hailstones, so its important to look for a roof that can withstand more than just high winds.

Depending on the wind events that affect your region, here are some important factors to consider when researching what roofs are best for high winds.

Hurricanes

Homes in hurricane-prone areas are often subject to the most rigorous building codes in the county, so youll want to first find a roofing material that is approved for high-velocity hurricane zones .

Look for: Roofing materials that are approved for Brower and Dade county .

Tornados

Severe thunderstorms are a launching pad for tornadoes, not to mention the destructive hail and damaging winds that accompany these storms. Youll want a roof that can withstand not just high winds, but also impact from hail and storm debris.

Look for: Roofs with a Class 4 Impact Rating for Hail .

Wind-Driven Rain

Wind-driven rain is water that enters a covered property due to the wind. No matter what type of winds your region experiences, youll want a roof that prevents rain from penetrating the underlying deck.

Look for: Roofing products with well-documented testing for wind-driven rain, such as the TAS-100.

Wind Uplift

Warranty

Look for: A warranty that clearly states the manufacturers policy on high winds.

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Best Roofing Materials For High Winds And Hurricanes

When it comes to materials for your roof, metal is one of the best for high wind areas. Metal roofs are rated for winds up to 160 miles per hour. They are durable, long-lasting, and there are no small pieces to blow off during a hurricane. Ceramic tile is another good option for roofing, although it is only rated for winds up to 130 miles per hour. It is attractive and has a more refined look than metal. However, it is also much heavier than other roofing materials. Natural slate is rated for up to 110 miles per hour and is very eco-friendly, but like ceramic tile, it is much heavier than metal or asphalt shingles. Wood shake and asphalt shingles are not recommended in areas of high wind. Regardless of the material you use on your roof, it is important that you use the highest quality underlayment to protect the interior of your home should the top layer of your roof come off.

Lack Of Proper Engineering

An old adage says the best defense is a good offense. That statement certainly applies in any discussion of metal roofing and hurricane preparedness. While local building codes typically mandate performance expectations , its always best to take things one step further and consult an engineer to discuss your project specifics and review relevant product data. It may even be prudent to request the engineer create signed project-specific calculations.

Yes, youll likely spend a few thousand dollars on engineering fees. Still, if it helps you better weather the storm, most would agree that its money well spent since lack of proper engineering is one of the most common reasons for metal roof failure in hurricane events.

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What Causes Hurricanes

Hurricanes are formed when humid tropical air rises in an area of low pressure over the sun-warmed ocean. The moist air is heavy with evaporated water, and once it reaches higher elevations, it condensates into clouds. The clouds grow and form thunderstorms, some reforming again and again.

Eventually, the whole mass of clouds and winds starts to rotate due to the earths spin around a central core. Storm winds can be clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on whether the system is north or south of the equator. Hurricanes will continue to strengthen if they can feed on warm moist ocean waters. Once they move into cooler regions or over land, they typically start to weaken.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration categorize storms by their wind speed. Category 1 hurricanes have sustained wind speeds at or greater than 74 miles per hour. Hurricanes in category 5 can have sustained winds over 157 miles per hour and cause catastrophic damage.

Hurricane experts attempt to predict the number of tropical storms and potential hurricanes for each upcoming season . According to Dan Kottlowski, a meteorologist at Accuweather, 2021 may be an above-normal season for tropical activity in the Atlantic.

High Winds And Uplift

High winds and uplift are common with hurricanes and can cause significant destruction in their wake. Regardless of the roofing material you choose for your home, be sure to get it inspected and repaired if necessary to avoid any weak spots where hurricane gusts or uplift can start to tear your roof apart.

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Are Metal Roofs Hurricane Proof

While it is impossible to call any roof hurricane-proof, a properly designed metal roofing system can be capable of handling wind speeds higher than what hurricane-prone regions typically experience.

Yet, in the aftermath of a hurricanes landfall, it is not uncommon to see photographs that show metal roofing panels wrapped around a tree or buildings missing all or parts of their metal roof.

While these images make for sensational media views, they create a skewed perception about metal roofings performance in high wind events.

While hurricane-proof might be a stretch, it isnt a stretch to say that metal roofing stands up better to the wrath of mother nature than other roofing choices.

When properly engineered and installed, metal roofing continues to garner more and more attention for its outstanding performance in post-hurricane analysis.

In this article, we want to look at a few top threats to metal roofing, some key design factors, partner selection tips, insurance discounts, and after storm clean-up.

Best Shingles For High Winds

Shingles are a common roofing material that can easily be found in the market. Fiberglass shingles are among the best options for combating heavy winds since they are robust and less prone to strong forces and temperatures. Unlike other singles, fiberglass shingles are way affordable than other shingles made from wood, slate, or clay.

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Protecting Your Roof During A Hurricane

If you live in a storm-prone area, it is important that you take steps to protect your roof as much as possible. Some of the ways you can do that include:

• Place a protective layer of plywood over asphalt shingles or use roof sheets designed for that purpose.
• Trim tree limbs so they are not hanging over your house.
• Remove all objects that could become projectiles, such as garbage cans, patio furniture, and toys.
• Consider investing in hurricane shutters that will keep the wind out of your house and reduce the chance of roof uplift.
• Have your roof inspected annually before hurricane season. Replace or repair any missing or broken tiles or shingles. If you have a metal roof, have it inspected for rust and rusty screws that can weaken the integrity.
• Clean your gutters and drains.
• Consider adding roof straps to give your house more structural integrity.

Your roof is your homes first defense against the elements. When you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes or high winds, it is important that you plan ahead to keep your home safe should a storm strike. Keep in mind that coastal areas often have high winds even in storms that are not hurricanes, including noreasters and even brief summer thunderstorms. These winds can cause as much damage as a hurricane and the damage often occurs quickly. This means that even if you dont deal with hurricanes often, your home could still be susceptible to damage from a storm if it is not properly protected.

How Being Proactive Pays Off

If you end up investing in a new metal or asphalt shingle roof resistant to hurricane damage, you may reap more benefits than you initially realized.

Check out the unsung advantages of a fresh roof:

• Reduced energy costs
• Reduced allergy and respiratory problems
• Improved home value and curb appeal

A new roof can wind up being one of the best investments you ever make for your home or business. When it comes to your safety, theres no need to look anywhere but the best. Call to get a free estimate and learn more about our excellent hurricane resistant roofing.

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