The stories about storms pulling off roofs are very true. This happens mainly because the roofing materials and the roofs are not designed to withstand such storms. If you live in a place that experiences severe hurricane storms, you must use the right roofing materials.
It is always wise to consult an expert roofer before you roof your house. You can go to their website to get their contact information. They will be able to offer recommendations and options that will fit your property and layout.
Before you speak to the experts, it’s wise to have an idea of what type of roofing materials and roofs can withstand heavy storms. This way, you’ll be able to have a productive consultation and even spot a fraudster who might try to swindle you. In this article, we’ll reveal the best roofing materials and roofs that can withstand hurricane storms.
Roofing Materials that can Withstand Storms
Experts categorize roofing materials based on their durability, longevity, and weight. For a roofing material to withstand high winds, it has to be light to resist gusts; at the same time, it must be heavy to stop flying fragments from destroying your building. The material must also possess the strength to repel elemental forces for years without the need for serious maintenance. With that said, here are roofing materials that can withstand storms:
Metal
If you are looking for the best type of material to cover your home that will survive hurricanes, then look no further than metal roofs. They are designed to withstand this elemental force without blowing off, like traditional shingles. Furthermore, they have better insulation compared to regular asphalt shingles and are impervious to wind damage. You can count on metal to last for a longer time than most other materials.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
These materials are commonly used by many homeowners. They are very attractive and aesthetically pleasing. The fact that they come in different colors is one more reason why people love them. Furthermore, they don’t collect mold over time.
While all the above is fine and good, the question is, how do they fare when a storm comes? The answer is that they are pretty good. Clay and concrete tiles can resist wind as fast as 130mph. Severe storms and extreme weather have nothing on these roofing materials. But bear in mind that these materials are the most expensive of the lot.
Slate Tiles
Of all the roofing materials that can withstand storms, none are as eco-friendly as slate tiles. This is one reason why they are more expensive than other alternatives. Although this material is heavier compared to some options, its wind speed resistance rating is lower. They can only withstand a 110-mph wind speed.
This can be dangerous if the tiles come loose when a heavy wind blows. However, you won’t have this issue if the roofing is executed perfectly by expert contractors. Slate tiles cannot effectively resist storms compared to metal, and clay and concrete tile materials. Therefore, if possible, do not use them in areas that experience extreme hurricanes.
Wood Shingles
This roofing material is manufactured from kiln-dried split logs. These shakes or shingles are hardy and hold up very well against hurricanes. Surprisingly, they are only bested by metal’s durability in terms of withstanding storms.
If you choose this option, especially the traditional, handmade, wooden shakes, you’ll have to set aside a huge amount of money as they can be costly. Furthermore, you’ll need to carry out frequent general maintenance. This is necessary to keep this material in perfect shape.
You also need to confirm whether your community accepts them to be used for houses, as this material doesn’t meet Class-A fire ratings. You can visit https://www.ippmagazine.com/ to learn more about fire rating classification. If you’re okay with the price and required maintenance, the result of using wood shingles is pure natural beauty.
These materials are made from several wood species, such as cypress and cedar. Over time, their texture gives them a weathered look. Since they can easily blend with the natural surroundings, they are perfect for homeowners looking for that natural look. Although they require frequent maintenance, they can be repaired easily if damaged and will last for several decades.
Other Factors to Consider to Ensure Your Roof is Stormproof
The roofing material you use is crucial to ensuring your roof is stormproof. However, it is not sufficient if other factors are not considered. Therefore, below are other factors to consider to ensure your roof is stormproof.
Roof Shape
When you want to construct your roof, it must be done in such a way that it has adequate hurricane preparedness. The shape and design of the roof must be crafted with this central focus in mind. Experts recommend hop roofs due to their multiple slopes (panels) that can resist wind.
The slope should be a minimum of 7 feet from the top to the bottom. Doing this will enable water to run down easily. Furthermore, there should be a minimum of two airflow vents as well as an attic vent for the escape of hot air.
Roof Pitch
The steeper the roof is, the better equipped it is to resist and withstand wind pressure. A rooftop with a pitch has a minimum angle of 6/12. If a rooftop has less than that, it is regarded as flat and will be unable to have high slopes. With at least 30 degrees, the roof can resist wind better than slopes that are less than 30 degrees.
Straps Type
One way to protect your home against hurricanes is to use hurricane straps. These items cost about $1,000 to $1,500. The size you’ll need depends on your house size and roofing material type. They are manufactured from stainless or galvanized steel and can secure your roof to the foundation of your house or the walls.
Conclusion
Protecting your home against storms is a wise choice. To effectively accomplish this goal, you need to use roofing materials that are resistant to hurricanes. In the article above, we’ve discussed in detail roofing materials that can withstand storms and other important considerations you need to keep in mind.
