Assess and Prep the Roof for Hurricane Season in Florida

Let’s face it: There is no single simple, economical solution to hurricane proofing a roof. However, there are a number of things a homeowner can do to reinforce an existing roof against Florida’s extreme storms and hurricanes.

HURRICANE SEASON IS ALMOST HERE

It’s never too early to prepare for hurricane season in Tampa Bay. After all, June 1 always feels like it is “right around the corner” when you live in the Sunshine State.

2 KEY ELEMENTS TO A NEW HURRICANE-PROOF ROOF

If you are building a new structure, hurricane preparation begins with the design, materials and engineering that goes into your roof. Two of the top considerations you can make are (1) constructing a hip roof (4 slopes) versus a gable roof (2 slopes) to give your home the best performance under high wind pressure. And (2) construct the roof with a 30-degree slope and “hurricane proof” / “wind resistant” design materials (as best determined for your home’s footprint with the guidance of a roofing contractor).

But, what if you aren’t building-to-suit and constructing a new roof?

BEST WAYS TO ASSESS & PREP EXISTING ROOF FOR HURRICANE SEASON

ADDRESS UPLIFT FORCE

In the middle of an extreme weather event with high winds, roofs tend to blow off of a structure. This is known as uplift force. To protect against uplift force, connecting a roof to the walls is what matters. Ask a professional roofer for ways to reinforce the roof and make sure you don’t have a “stapled roof,” which was banned after Hurricane Andrew in 1993.

ADDRESS STRUCTURAL FAILURE RISK POINTS

The structure of the home needs a secure and strong connection to its foundation and between walls. Structural failure is progressive, occurring where the failure of one structural element triggers the collapse of another and so on like a row of dominoes. There are many inexpensive ways to strengthen connections and prevent risk for total collapse. The professionals at Legend Roof can assess your roof for weakness at key structural junctures and make the appropriate recommendations.

ADDRESS PRESSURE BALANCE WEAKNESSES

Across the roof structure, certain areas such as the ridge, corners, and eaves are often subject to higher wind pressure than other areas. There are now aerodynamic solutions to help alleviate pressures on these specific areas of the roof. For example, a central shaft can be installed between the internal space and roof ridge that is the largest depression. This connection balances pressures and significantly reduces the wind load on the roof.

LIMIT THE SIZE OF OVERHANGS

Roof overhangs are particularly vulnerable to wind uplift forces. To protect the roof from failure, limit the length of overhangs to no more than 20 inches.

SECURE THE GUTTERS

There are a variety of technologies that can be used to reinforce and secure gutters to the roof. The size and design of your roof will determine the best approach to securing the gutters.

EGRESS MATTERS TO ROOF STABILITY

All points of egress (entry and exit) matter to the stability of your roof. This means every door, garage entry, and window play a role in the impact of uplift on your roof. Even if you have the toughest roof in the world for withstanding gale force winds and heavy rain, if your egress points allow water and wind to penetrate, your roof will take the brunt of those weak points.

Many of the above elements require an estimate and assessment by a professional roofing contractor. The reason for this is the appropriate modifications or replacement of these elements will be determined by the age of the roof, roofing materials, and the vulnerabilities that are unique to each home structure. In addition to addressing the areas above, Legend Roofing estimates include, but are not limited to the following aspects of your roof:

• Membrane is evaluated for tears, holes, punctures, and signs of deterioration due to age, etc.
• Flashing is assessed to be sure it is correctly attached and sealed.
• Mounted equipment is examined to be sure it is properly anchored and sealed.
• Downspouts and gutters are examined for proper drainage and security of attachment.
• Hazards surrounding the home including trees, wires, etc. will be identified

HOMEOWNER ROOF PREP LIST HURRICANE SEASON

1.Keep a regular maintenance schedule for your roof. Spring and Fall are the ideal times to have your roof reviewed by a roofing contractor.
2.Keep warranties and insurance up-to-date so when it is time to make a roofing claim, you can get through the process without raising your blood pressure.
3.Take and keep “before” photos of your roof when it is in its best condition.
4.Keep the roof clean. Have at least an annual cleaning done on your roof.
5.Trim Trees. If trees are overhanging or laying on the roof, have them trimmed back by an arborist.
6.Keep a tarp stored in your garage. Needing a tarp after storm damage is not the time to buy one—-and roofers will run out of their tarp supply as the service numerous customers with storm damage. The best way to be prepared is to have your on tarps on hand, before you need them.
7.Keep your valleys and gutters clear of debris.
8.Secure yard and garden accessories. Deck furniture, garden decor and the like will become hazardous, flying projectiles that could damage your roof. Secure these by weighing them down with stones or anchoring to more securely attached outdoor elements. When a storm warning has been issued, any object that is not secure should be moved into a garage or shed

TRUSTED, EXPERT ROOFING CONTRACTOR IN LUTZ, FLORIDA

Legend Roofing is a professional roofing company serving the Greater Hillsborough County area with pride. Our team specializes in locating those weak spots in the roof before they become a problem. Legend can quickly diagnose the issue and inform you of the appropriate solution to fix the roof.

If you have damage to your roof, Legend offers expert roof repair solutions. Our goal is to make the roof repair or roof replacement process cost-effective and stress-free for every customer. When there is damage and there’s a need to involve the insurance company, we are with you from start to finish. From making the claim to the close of the claim, our staff supports our customers through every step of the roof insurance claim process.

Our owner, Adam Stevens, is a husband and father of three and a long-time resident of Hillsborough County. Since 1986, Adam and his roofing teams have provided solutions to the toughest roofing problems for homeowners and commercial properties throughout Lutz and Chaval. If you are interested in a Legend Roofing free roofing estimate or just want to ask a question about the roofing solutions we offer, please contact us, today.

Resources

New Jersey Institute of Technology. “Home Shapes And Roofs That Hold Up Best In Hurricanes.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 21 June 2007.

Building to Withstand Hurricanes

Building Hurricane Proof Roofs FIU Department of Civil Engineering