Hard Work & Innovation: The Job of a Roofer

If you live in an area with hurricanes or high-force winds, then you need to take this into account when it comes to your roof. If your roof is older and starting to show signs of damage, then the best option is often to have it replaced. Even if the roof might have a few more years left in a milder climate, it could cause lots of issues if a big storm blows through. A new roof will be more storm-resistant. Here are some of the key ways roofers make new roofs more stormproof.

Hurricane Straps

The first thing roofers do to help strengthen a roof against storms is improve the way the roof is attached to the frame of your house. In normal conditions, a roof is simply nailed to the frame. But in hurricane-prone areas, roofers use devices called hurricane straps to anchor the roof down. Each truss is attached to the home using these straps. They hold the roof down more securely so it does not blow off in high winds.

Waterproof Barrier

In a storm-prone area, all it takes is one lifted shingle, and suddenly, water will be coming into contact with the underlayer. Over time, this can lead to rot, which will make the roof weaker and more vulnerable. The key way roofers prevent this from happening is with a waterproof barrier. This sheet of plasticized, waterproof material is placed on top of the roof deck, but under the shingles or other primary roof material. This way, if the shingles are ever compromised by a storm, your roof still has a layer of protection.

Longer Nails

In stormy areas, roofers will often use longer nails to attach the roofing materials. For instance, instead of using 1.5" nails, they might use 2" nails. They'll judge how deep your roof deck is before adding the nails and make sure it's thick enough to accommodate the longer nails. If longer nails can be used, they give the roof a little more strength and make the shingles less likely to lift off during a storm.

High winds and heavy rains are hard on roofs, and roofs in stormy areas often need replacement sooner than those in less stormy areas. If you're having your roof replaced, talk to your roof installer about the features and options above. They'll go a long way toward stormproofing your home and protecting your roof.

Contact a local residential roof installation service to learn more.