If you live in a part of the world prone to storms or other powerful weather fronts, you know how damaging they can be. 

Roofs are particularly prone to damage as they are most subject to pounding rains and high winds. They need to be sound because a weak roof can be blown off, or even collapse into the rest of the house.

When building your roof, or purchasing a home, here are a few things to keep in mind that will keep you and your family safe.

Materials

When constructing your home, or purchasing roofing material, a few come out ahead. 

Metal is the primary one. Metal roofing is constructed in such a way that it’s difficult for high winds to get underneath it. Once winds can’t get under it, it’s unlikely it can be lifted off of your house.

Metal is also stronger and less likely to experience damage from storm material impacts or water.

After metal, experts advise that ceramic, concrete, and asphalt tiles can provide the best protection in windy and wet weather. However, these must be securely attached to your underlying structure to prevent them from becoming dangerous missiles in a storm.

Shape And Slope Of Roof

Roofs with a 30-degree angle slope have been proven to stand up to strong winds. Hip roofs have also been shown to perform better in bad storms. These roofs have four slopes.

They work because they slow the speeds at which winds hit your roof. They also help more water drain off of your roof, helping your roof to be more resistant to water damage.

Smaller Eaves

Eaves are the part of your roof that overhangs the exterior of the building.

In hurricane and storm-prone areas, large eaves are a bad idea as they give high winds the opportunity to create pressure differentials that can pop your roof right off of your house.

Experts recommend that your eaves shouldn’t be more than 20 inches.

Is it equipped with straps?

Straps can provide your house with additional support in bad weather. These are steel ties attached to the rafters of your home.

The idea behind the tie is that it firmly anchors the roof to the home, which is supported by its foundation.

The idea is the same behind the bolted roof. This is usually a metal roof, bolted into the walls of the building.

If you’re buying a home, you should look for either feature to make sure your roof has the best chance of surviving a storm as possible. 

Equalize Pressure At The Home’s Central Ridge

We’ve spoken before about how areas of uneven pressure cause roofs to lift off in hurricane winds. Some changes in roof design can help your roof better withstand this.

According to Science Daily, “…introducing a central shaft which would function by creating a connection between the internal space and the roof ridge, considered to be the location of the largest depression. This connection helps balance pressures leading to a significant reduction in the roof’s wind loads.”

The result is that you have a more stable roof that will withstand storm conditions.

Use State and Federal Rules As a Guideline

In Florida and other states prone to hurricanes, there are several guidelines you have to follow when building or renovating a home. If these aren’t followed, it’s unlikely plans for your construction will be approved.

Find out what these are. A full listing is usually available on your state or local administrative authority’s website.

Similarly, when purchasing a home, make sure it adheres to these guidelines. If it doesn’t, do what you can to bring the home’s roof up to standard. 

At G&R Impact Windows & Doors, we help you secure your home against hurricane-force winds and damage. Need more advice on how you can protect your home? Call us at 305-925-0818.