Wind is one of those forces that cannot be stopped, especially when it comes in the form of a hurricane or other windstorm. The roof on a house is the only protection that house has from strong winds. If the roof goes, so does everything else inside. A roof that can withstand wind is essential; to have that, homeowners must ensure their roof is a quality one installed by an experienced, professional roof company. To make it through any storm intact, homeowners should review the following tips on surviving high winds and, if necessary, contract to get required protective roofing services before the next big storm hits.

How Wind Damages Roofs

Whether a roof is made of shingles, sheet metal, or any other roofing material, the main importance when having a new roof installed is that there are no places for wind to get underneath. Loose shingles are peeled right off when high winds get under them, just as improperly sealed metal roofs can blow away when the edges are not covered to keep out the wind. Once the top roofing layer comes off, everything underneath is susceptible due to changes in air pressure caused by the passage of wind through the roof structure. The first line of defense against high winds is being sure that roofs are properly installed by a reliable roof company. The roof must be weather tight, with secure edges that do not leave space for wind to blow underneath and remove roofing material.

Ways to Help Keep the Roof On

Some homes could use help in keeping their roofs in place, especially in areas where high winds and hurricanes are prevalent. It is worth the investment in professional roofing services that can use the following methods to support the roof:

  • Use High-Winds Rated Roofing Material - A roof should always be installed by a qualified contractor, using materials that are rated for high winds and in accordance with the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
  • Strengthen the Roof Structure - Blown off shingles can be replaced; however, the entire top blowing off a house is something completely different. Using galvanized hurricane clips to reinforce the roof structure and joints is a vital precaution to take. Hurricane clips reinforce joints on roof trusses and bolt them tightly to house walls, helping to hold the roof down.
  • Brace and Adhere Roof Structure - Certain types of roof architecture, like gable roofs, face greater amounts of abuse from high winds, making roof damage more likely. In hurricane-prone areas, homes with questionable architecture should have upper level and gable walls reinforced with roof sheathing.  It should be installed with adhesives to seal the under layer of the roof and reduce the passage of wind through cracks and seams in the sheathing. This can also be done from the inside by caulking these areas. Some shingles can also be reinforced with adhesives.
  • Roof Tie-Downs - In the most extreme conditions, tying the roof down may help as well. This is done by passing straps over the entire home structure and reinforcing them on the ground. This is best done with a technique that requires burying cement footers that contain connectors extending through the ground to which the straps and ties can be affixed.

Wind is a deadly force; surviving it takes advance preparation. Homeowners living in areas prone to high winds and large storms such as hurricanes should take the steps necessary to protect their homes. Have roofs inspected for general fitness and wind resistance by a qualified roof company. If there are ways to reinforce and protect a roof, invest in those roofing services. Spending a little bit of money to make a roof more wind resistant will help homeowners greatly when bad weather strikes!

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