Hard Work & Innovation: The Job of a Roofer

When you live in an area that is prone to severe thunderstorms or hurricanes, part of minimizing damage and keeping your family safe will depend on how resistant your home is to severe weather. The first point of consideration will be the roof. Although there is no such thing as an impermeable roof, there are features to consider that will minimize damage.

Material

The material you choose will be critical for how well your roof holds up during severe weather. One of the most resilient materials is metal. Metal roofs offer the most protection from wind. Another concern with severe storms is lightning, especially when lightning occurs without rain (dry lightning). If dry lightning hits the roof, the house could catch fire. This is another advantage of metal roofs because they are fire-resistant. There are some downsides to metal roofs, such as their expense and weight. Older homes may not be capable of supporting a metal roof. Metal roofs will also show signs of damage in the event of hail. One of the worst options is any type of tile or shingle. Not only do these materials not handle wind well, but they can also become projectiles and make a severe storm worse.

Shape And Pitch

There are many roof shapes, with variations of the gable and hip roofs being the most common. When choosing a roof that is resistant to severe storms, a hip roof will hold up better than a gable roof. A hip roof is sloped on all sides, which works better against the wind than a flat side. Fortunately, there are different variations of the hip roof, if you want more options while maintaining the wind-resistant features. Pitch is another consideration. A pitch of 30-degrees has been determined to be the most wind-resistant. Higher pitches are more likely to catch the wind, whereas lower pitches cause additional problems. The issue with lower-pitch roofs is not necessarily the lack of wind resistance but the inability for rain to slide off.

Fasteners

The fasteners used to attach the roof to the walls are critical for increasing the wind resistance. If you live in an area that is prone to severe storms and hurricanes and have a newer home, the fasteners are likely suitable for severe storms. People with older homes may need to have the fasteners replaced with hurricane straps. There are various types of hurricane straps, depending on the connection. Some types are meant to connect rafters or beams to the house, whereas others are made to help anchor the roof to the walls. Roofs with hurricane straps will be able to endure high sustained wind or gusts before the roof peels off.

When you live in an area that is prone to severe weather, upgrading your roof is the first step to protecting your family and property. Making a few changes to the material or opting for a different roof shape can make your roof more wind-resistant.

For more information, contact a local company, like Brandon J Roofing.