Living in Florida means being prepared for the potential threat of hurricanes and severe weather conditions. A hurricane-proof roof is one of the most critical aspects of protecting your home during these storms. Florida, known for its vulnerability to hurricanes, requires robust roofing systems that can withstand the powerful winds, flying debris, and heavy rainfall that come with these storms.
Hurricane Hazards: The Most Dangerous Threats to Prepare for
Wind-Driven Heavy Showers
The water damage caused by wind-driven heavy rain is different from a flood. It’s rain that has been created and then moved around. It’s important to know that your insurance may not cover wind-driven heavy rain. The rain would not have reached your home without the wind. Protecting your home and understanding your coverage before a storm is crucial.
Debris Impact
The impact of debris picked up by the wind and blown into your home or roof can be another unexpected event during hurricane season. Hurricane-force winds, like wind-driven rain, can transport items to your home or roof. Look for low-hanging or dead branches that could become projectiles during a storm. A tree branch can damage your roof just as much as hurricane winds.
High Winds and Uplift
Hurricanes are known for their high winds and uplift, which can leave a trail of destruction. No matter what roofing material you select for your home, make sure it is inspected and repaired as necessary to prevent any weak spots that hurricane gusts or uplift could cause to tear apart your roof.
Tornados
The conditions during hurricane season are often conducive to tornadoes. As with hurricanes, understanding and choosing suitable roofing materials and designs for your home is the best way to ensure a hurricane proof roof will be protected against a storm.
Which Building Material Should You Use?
Metal Roofs
Metal roofing is the best choice to start with. This roofs are durable and capable of withstanding winds up to 140 mph. Metal roofs are an excellent option for protecting your home from Category 4 hurricanes. Metal roofing is prevalent in areas prone to hurricanes.
Regarding metal roofing design guidelines, there are several things to consider, such as your roof deck, the roof’s slope, and roof form. Metal roofs are structural panel roof systems that work best when installed professionally by people who know how to lay out the panels and attach them with the proper attachments.
Incorrect installation is the main reason for metal roof failure. When considering upgrading your roof, choose a roofing contractor familiar with metal roof designs and installation techniques.
Consider where metal roofs are susceptible to damage, such as during hailstorms.
Ceramic Tile Roofs
Ceramic tile roofing is a popular choice for roofs in Florida. These roofs are not as resistant to hurricane winds as metal roofing, but they can still withstand wind speeds of 100+ mph.
Ceramic tile roofing is different from metal roofing. It uses individual tiles attached to concrete, concrete clips, or wire. Pre-drilled screw holes on tiles at the top of roof pitches or gable ends will be seen. This is to prevent tiles from blowing off in areas prone to hurricanes. You’ll also need a professional installer and quality underlayment to get the best out of your ceramic or clay tiles. You can have a clay or ceramic tile roof for up to 50 years with proper maintenance and repairs.
What is the difference between slate, clay, and ceramic tile roofs? Weight is the most significant difference between all three types. Lighter than clay tiles, ceramic tile can be an excellent option for Florida homeowners who want a particular look but need a home to support heavier clay tiles.
Wood Shake Roofs
Wood shakes are a popular choice for roofs in Florida, depending on your location. As one of the best hurricane proof roof, these roofs are very durable and can withstand winds up to 200 mph. However, they are outside the top of our list due to their high price and complex design requirements. The installation, repair, and replacement of wooden shakes are highly labor-intensive.
The wood can also degrade, and there is a risk of fires or infestations of insects. New wood-shake roofs often include sealants to help protect against some of these problems.
Asphalt Shingles
Most roofers and homeowners are familiar with asphalt shingle roofs. These roofs are cost-effective and can withstand wind speeds up to 100 mph.
FEMA recommends using nails instead of staples to install asphalt shingles if your home is located in an area prone to hurricanes and winds. This will help secure the asphalt roof shingles in a manner that is more likely to survive the hurricane season and accompanying storms.
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How Should You Design Your Roof?
A hurricane proof roof involves more than just the roofing material. The roof design is also essential. Consider these options when designing, building, or rebuilding a roof.
Your Roof Shape
Hip roofs are the best way to protect against hurricanes and gusts. This roof is more stable than the gable because it slopes from all sides.
Your Roof’s Slope
Choose a roof that has a 30-degree angle to withstand wind and storms. This roof is resistant to uplift when an air current comes into contact with a flat roof. This phenomenon can also occur when the air pressure is higher under the roof than above.
Fasteners and Anchors
Installing fasteners and anchors to existing structures is often more cost-effective than planning a brand-new roof. This will protect the system during hurricane season or strong winds. These fasteners are available in stainless steel or carbon steel. An experienced roofing contractor will attach these fasteners to the existing rafters, improving the structural integrity of your roof.
Get Your Hurricane-Proof Roof Today!
Call our Old Time Roofing team for help understanding roofing materials and designs. We are happy to provide a no-obligation, free roof inspection to prepare you for a storm during hurricane season.
Need help with storm wind damage? Our team at Old Time Roofing can assist with emergency repairs to restore your home following extreme weather. Contact us today to learn more!
Other Services We Offer
Old Time Roofing is a dedicated team of experts that can help you with the following:
Roofing materials that we work with:
Refrain from entrusting your roofing needs to just anyone. With Old Time Roofing, you can rest easy knowing that your roof is in capable hands. Contact us today!