How to Hurricane-Proof Your Roof
Each year, tropical storms, hurricanes and other severe storms threaten coastal states, cause extensive damage, and disrupt daily life. Further inland, storm remnants can cause flooding, tornados, and extensive, often unexpected roof damage. Preparedness and practicality go hand-in-hand as homeowners consider proactive safeguards. What are the best things you can do to prepare your home for a hurricane? When it comes time to prioritize your projects, experts suggest you keep these five points at the top of your list:
Choose the right roofing materials: Opt for durable options like metal or high-wind asphalt shingles. Also, consider your home's structure. Hip roofs and low-slope roofs are more resistant to strong winds.
Reinforce roof trusses and rafters: Install hurricane straps and diagonal bracing for extra stability.
Secure roof-to-wall connections: Ensure they're properly fastened to prevent uplift.
Regular inspections: Get your roof checked annually by a certified professional.
Maintain gutters and downspouts: Keep them clean and debris-free to handle heavy rain.
"When looking at a home and evaluating its ability to survive hurricane season, the health of the roof is the first question to ask," underscores Anthony Perera, Founder of Peak Roofing Partners. "It not only increases the home’s performance in the hurricane itself but in the current economic environment, it can also save the homeowner money on insurance." Insurance companies also look to state mandates when assessing claims. The state of Florida began updating its building codes in the last decade, requiring homes to have a sealed roof deck. "Getting a sealed roof deck is a nominal cost when having a new roof installed and is a simple and practical thing to do that will make a huge difference in storm-proofing your roof," adds Perera.
Metal, Slate, and High-Wind-Rated Asphalt Shingles Are Best
In areas vulnerable to hurricanes, homeowners should consider roofing materials that are durable and withstand high, turbulent winds and flying debris. "Metal roofing is one of the most recommended choices for hurricane-prone areas because it offers premium durability and longevity," shares Mike Thomas, CARE Training Lead at GAF. "It also can withstand wind speeds up to 140 mph or more, is resistant to fire, and can last for decades with proper maintenance." The new GAF TimberSteel? Premium Metal Roofing System is one product to consider. It offers high durability and will be available in select areas beginning in Fall 2024.
Courtesy of GAF
"Slate roofing and high-wind asphalt shingles are two other options for hurricane-prone areas," he notes. "Slate roofing is very durable and can handle high winds and heavy rain. Like metal, it’s also fire-resistant and has a long-life span, though it can be quite heavy and expensive. High-wind or architectural asphalt shingles are developed to withstand higher wind speeds compared to standard shingles." They are also relatively affordable compared to metal or clay tiles, aesthetically pleasing, and generally easy to install. GAF Camelot? II shingles are relatively affordable compared to metal or clay tiles, plus, they offer homeowners an artisan-crafted, slate-like shape and custom palette. GAF’s Slateline? shingles also create the look of slate at a fraction of the cost.
"Each roofing material has its own set of benefits and challenges, so it’s important for homeowners to consider factors like cost, maintenance, and the potential strength of the storm force winds or hurricane conditions when making a decision on what type of roof to choose," adds Thomas.
Related: The Risks of Cheaping Out When You Do Your Roof
Building or Renovating? Consider a Hipped or Low-Slope Roof
"Hip, or hipped, roofs are often recommended for homes in hurricane-prone areas," highlights Thomas. "Since hip roofs slant down on all four sides, they are more aerodynamic and less likely to be lifted up by strong winds compared to gable roofs, which have flat ends."
He adds, "Low slope roofs are another option as they are less likely to catch wind and are therefore less prone to being uplifted from strong winds. The design of the entire roofing system, materials, and installation methods can also make a roof more hurricane-resistant. An example is the FORTIFIED Home? solutions from the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The FORTIFIED Roof? is a component of each of the FORTIFIED Home solutions. By installing a FORTIFIED Roof? the sheathing is more secure to the framing, the roofing materials are sealed down around the perimeter of the roof, and a secondary leak barrier is installed to protect the inside of the home in the event that the roof covering does sustain damage."
Impact and wind-resistant shingles make a difference. The GAF Timberline? AS II is an example of an impact-resistant shingle that can withstand strong winds and hail storms.
Reinforce Your Roof Trusses
A roof truss is a triangular, wooden structure that supports the roof. Roof rafters are sloped wooden beams that are placed from the ridge of the roof to the top of the exterior walls. Both are used for roof framing. "Homeowners can reinforce their roof trusses and rafters to withstand high winds by installing hurricane straps, also known as clips or ties," reminds Thomas. "These steel connectors will secure the trusses and rafters to the walls of the house, providing additional stability against sustained winds and rain. In short, they help keep the roof from lifting up during a hurricane."
He adds, "Hurricane straps can also be installed with diagonal bracing on the trusses and rafters to prevent them from twisting or collapsing during high winds. Installing blocking can also help keep the rafters from bending due to strong, turbulent winds. By taking these steps, people can significantly increase the durability and resilience of their roofing system against a hurricane’s high, turbulent winds and heavy rain."
Westlake Royal Building Products
Secure the Roof-to-Wall Connections
"Roof-to-wall connections are a critical component to maintaining the structural stability of the home during a hurricane," notes Thomas. "When properly installed, they can prevent uplift from hurricane-force winds and keep the roof attached to the house. Because they help keep the roof safely fastened, they also help minimize water damage to homes and other structural damage that can occur if a roof is blown off from storm winds."
He adds, "Homeowners can ask a certified roofing contractor who has experience in hurricane-resistant construction to check the connections are secure during a yearly roof inspection. It’s important to have a properly trained roofer look over the connections so they can quickly identify any areas that need to be reinforced."
Somfy
Consider Smart Hurricane Shutters
Control your window coverings whether you're home or away. Somfy manufacturers smart rolling shutters that protect your windows during severe weather, and unlike other shutters they're completely smart home compatible. "[You can use] the Somfy app on your smartphone or tablet to lower hurricane screens and shutters to protect your home from storms," explained a representative.
These automated solutions are a game-changer for homeowners who aren't at home when a fast-moving weather event threatens the area.
Related: Are Your Roof Shingles Buckling?
Prioritize Roofing Inspections
"Homeowners should get their roof inspected by a certified roofing professional annually to identify any new signs of wear or water damage," recommends Thomas. "The most common inspection times are spring and fall. Inspections typically include checking for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights, or signs of rot or decay on the roof."
He adds, "Other steps homeowners can take to prevent property damage throughout the year are cleaning its gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof, trimming or cutting back branches that are hanging over the roof to minimize damage, and checking if there’s any water damage inside the house, which could indicate the roof has a leak."
Related: Do You Live in Tornado Alley? This Advice Might Save Your Roof