Hurricanes batter your home year after year, and we take much care to protect windows and doors from the damage that they cause. Your roof is also an important part of your home, a part that you should never neglect. If a hurricane enters your home through your roof, you face water damage, the damage brought by wind and wind pressure, plus the expenses of a roof that will need repairs. Here is what you need to know about storm proof roofs to protect your home.
Storm Proof Roof Shape
If you are looking to create a completely new roof, remember that the shape of the roof is important. A four slope hip roof will provide your home with good protection against a hurricane. However, engineers suggest multi-paneled roofs work best for reducing wind load. This is why most stormproof roofs come in hexagon or octagon styles.
Having more slopes on your roof reduces the wind impact, allowing your home’s roof to withstand more hurricane pressure.
Combatting the Uplift Pressure
You’ve probably seen the videos of rooftops being torn completely of homes during a hurricane. This happens when wind finds a way into your home or when it builds up under the corners or eaves of your rooftop.
To combat the pressure inside the home, couple your stormproof roof with Impact windows and doors and ensure that all entries into your house are safe and secure.
For the pressure on the roof itself, the installation of a central shaft will help even the odds. This shaft will connect the roof ridge with the internal, secure space combatting the outside pressure of the wind.
It’s all About the Underlay
The underlay of your roof is critical. It doesn’t matter what type of roof you choose. The installation of the underlay is insufficient. You want to make sure that the underlay is completely waterproof and covers anything susceptible to moisture damage.
To meet the building codes, a good underlay must be synthetic, have a high tear strength of at least 20 pounds, and be completely sealed.
Choosing Your Roof
At the end of the day, you will also want to consider what your roof will look like. There are four different roof finishes when it comes to stormproof roofing. Here are the pros and cons of each of them.
Metal Storm Proof Roof
Metal roofing has been proven to stand up to Florida storms better than any other roof material. While it is an expensive option, they are also durable and can last 40 to 75 years. Metal roofs come in different colors and styles, so there is something that will please everyone.
A metal roof is resistant to damage and rot, and because the material is non-porous, it is not going to collect moisture.
Tile Storm Proof Roof
Curved concrete and clay tiles can withstand winds up to 130mph when laid correctly. They also provide some of the most visually pleasing roofing options. Unfortunately, for Florida, winds in excess of 130mph happen.
Curved tiles are some of the most expensive on the market and can make your house look beautiful. However, if your home faces a bigger storm, those tiles may fly away, opening your home to the elements.
Shingle Storm Proof Roof
Asphalt shingles offer a more affordable option that will protect your home from winds up to 110mph. Note that recycled shingles can only protect against half that wind speed, so if you live in a hurricane area and want shingles, try to buy them new.
Asphalt shingles will last your home for 15 years, and you can choose to improve your roof in other ways, adding high-grade underlay, for example. In the end, though, you will have to replace your roof more often, resulting in a more expensive approach.
Slate Storm Proof Roof
Slate is stone, so a slate roof is basically a heavy stone roof. They are naturally durable, waterproof, and heavy. A slate roof is a beautiful option that is also expensive. Expensive to invest in and expensive to repair.
However, the longevity of a slate roof may outweigh any cost concerns you have, as they can last over 100 years, making them a worthwhile investment for your home.
Have You Invested in Your Storm Proof Roof Yet?
At G&R Impact Windows and Doors, we ensure that every stormproof roof we work on meets the Miami Dade code, so you know your roof will be safe in Florida. If you are investing in your home by adding a high-quality stormproof roof, we can help you! Get in touch through our contact us page or by calling us at 305-414-2484 to hear about our great stormproof roofing options.