Your roof is probably designed to withstand heavy rains and other harsh weather conditions. However,…
Hurricane Proof Roofing in Northern Florida
Florida is one of the most hurricane-prone states in the United States. Every year, hurricanes and tropical storms threaten the state, causing billions of dollars in damage. The most recent storm was Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 hurricane which caused around $10 Billion in damages.
As a homeowner in Northern Florida, it’s important to take steps to protect your home from hurricane damage, including hurricane proofing your roof.
What is a Hurricane Proof Roof?
A hurricane proof roof is a roof that is designed and installed to withstand the high winds and heavy rains associated with hurricanes. There are a number of things that a roofing contractor can do to hurricane proof a roof, including:
- Use high-quality materials. Hurricane proof roofs are typically made from high-quality materials, such as metal or concrete tile. These materials are more durable and resistant to wind damage than other materials, such as asphalt shingles.
- Install the roof properly. Hurricane proof roofs must be installed properly in order to be effective. This includes using the correct nails and screws, and following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Reinforce the roof structure. In addition to using high-quality materials and installing the roof properly, a roofing contractor can also reinforce the roof structure to make it more resistant to hurricane damage. This may involve adding additional trusses or rafters, or installing hurricane straps.
Strategies for Shingle Roofs
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in the United States. However, asphalt shingles are more susceptible to wind damage than other materials, such as metal or concrete tile.
There are a number of things that a roofing contractor can do to hurricane proof a shingle roof, including:
- Use high-quality shingles. Not all asphalt shingles are created equal. Some shingles are more durable and resistant to wind damage than others. When choosing shingles for your roof, be sure to select high-quality shingles that are specifically designed for hurricane-prone areas.
- Install the shingles properly. Hurricane proof shingle roofs must be installed properly in order to be effective. This includes using the correct nails and screws, and following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Use hurricane clips. Hurricane clips are metal clips that are attached to the shingles and the roof deck. Hurricane clips help to keep the shingles in place during high winds.
- Reinforce the roof deck. The roof deck is the underlying structure that the shingles are attached to. In order to hurricane proof a shingle roof, it is important to reinforce the roof deck. This may involve adding additional sheathing or installing hurricane straps.
Strategies for Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are one of the most durable and hurricane-resistant roofing materials available. However, metal roofs can still be damaged by hurricanes if they are not installed properly.
Not all metal roofing materials are created equal. Some metal roofing materials are more durable and resistant to wind damage than others. When choosing metal roofing for your home, be sure to select high-quality metal that is specifically designed for hurricane-prone areas.
Hurricane proof metal roofs must be installed properly in order to be effective. This includes using the correct nails and screws, and following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Similar to shingle roofs, metal roofs also have metal clips. Hurricane clips are metal clips that are attached to the metal roofing panels and the roof deck. Hurricane clips help to keep the metal roofing panels in place during high winds.
The roof deck is the underlying structure that the metal roofing panels are attached to. In order to hurricane proof a metal roof, it is important to reinforce the roof deck. This may involve adding additional sheathing or installing hurricane straps.
In Conclusion
When choosing a roofing contractor to hurricane proof your roof, it is important to select a service provider that is experienced and qualified. Be sure to ask the contractor about their experience with hurricane proofing roofs, and ask to see examples of their work. You should also ask the contractor about the materials they use and their installation methods.
Hurricane proofing your roof is one of the best things you can do to protect your home from hurricane damage. By following the tips above, you can choose a roofing contractor and hurricane proof your roof to withstand even the strongest Florida storms.
Prime Roofing is the #1 recommended residential roofing contractor in Jacksonville Florida. Call (904) 530-1446 for free advice or to schedule an estimate.