What most people don’t know is that quality roofing material can protect your entire home in the case of inclement weather. After major hurricanes, not even those well-known blue tarps will stop heavy debris from shattering your windows and/or ruining the inside of your house.
Since there are several factors to consider when choosing the best roofing material, you should always consult expert building contractors. Finding that expert who can walk you through your options and make recommendations based on your layout, property use, and exposure to inclement weather conditions is a headache, but it’s a wise investment. In addition, using the best residential roofing material for high winds can help prevent your home from getting damaged during a storm.
Roofing materials are categorized by their weight, durability, and longevity. The best roofing material for high winds will be light enough to withstand gusts, but heavy enough to prevent flying debris from damaging your home. However, it should also be strong enough to stand up against the elements for many years with minimal maintenance.
Best Roofing Materials For High Winds
Homeowners in hurricane-prone areas are advised to make the most of their property by investing in residential roofing. However, storms like Katrina and Sandy have left many homeowners wondering about their hurricane preparedness.
Contacting your preferred roofing/building contractors for knowledge on the best roof materials will help you make better choices for protecting your home.
Metal Roofing
Fortified metal roofs explicitly designed for residential roofing in hurricane-prone areas are the best type of roofing for hurricane preparedness. Hurricanes tend to blow off traditional shingle roofs, leaving residents exposed to storms and their neighborhoods susceptible to debris and flooding.
In addition, metal roofs are more resistant to wind damage and provide better insulation than traditional asphalt shingles. They are also more durable and will last longer than the hodgepodge of materials that make up most residential roofs.
Clay And Concrete Tiles
Clay and concrete roof tiles are the most common residential roofing materials for homeowners that want attractive, non-stick, pitched roofs that do not collect mold.
They’re aesthetically appealing and come in a variety of color variations, which makes them a popular choice for upscale homes that require dressed-up architecture. In addition, they can withstand wind up to around 130 mph (Which can occur in Florida)—a reasonably severe storm.
Because they are the most uncommon roofing material, they also tend to be the most expensive option. However, this type of roof is more desirable in areas with extreme weather conditions.
Slate Tiles
Slate tiles are more eco-friendly than other types of roofing material. They’re heavier than some alternatives, but they cost more and typically have a lower wind speed resistance rating (110 mph) than other roofing tiles, which can cause damage if they come loose. Unfortunately, this makes them a home choice if you’re already invested in hurricane preparedness.
Quality workmanship is critical for residential roofing using slate. If you hire roofing contractors with minimal experience, the roof will likely show signs of substandard craftsmanship in its lifetime. Slate tiles are not ideal for areas with extreme weather conditions. They tend to be the most expensive option as well.
Asphalt Shingles
Though asphalt shingles may be an economical option for roofing, they do not trump the strength and durability of other roofing materials. Asphalt shingles tend to be less resistant to weather conditions such as rain, hail, strong winds, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
They cannot withstand heavy water damage or prolonged exposure to sunlight and high temperatures, thus are a poor choice in hurricane preparedness options. Asphalt shingles are not a wise choice if you reside in a hurricane-prone area where natural disasters are common, as they can quickly become dysfunctional. Asphalt shingles are also more susceptible to damage from hail and wind than other roofing materials.
The main reason is that asphalt shingles are not made from a single sheet of material but rather feature several layers of different materials. This can make them more prone to tearing or cracking during high winds or storms.
Wood Shakes
Wood shingles are made from kiln-dried split logs. Wood shakes are a hardier, weatherproof choice with better performance in adverse conditions for hurricane preparedness than other choices and are only beaten by the durability of metal. Unfortunately, they can be quite costly if you opt for traditional, handmade shakes and wooden shingles tend to require more general maintenance. Another thing to remember before investing is that some communities do not allow wood shingles or shakes. This is on account of the fact that they do not meet Class-A fire ratings.
If you can get past the cost and maintenance, the most compelling reason for choosing a wood roof is its beauty— it’s natural. Wood roofs can be made from various species, including cedar and cypress. Their natural texture also makes them look like they’ve weathered over time, which can be appealing for a number of home designs needing new residential roofing.
Many homeowners choose wood shingles because they want something that blends in with their home’s surroundings and doesn’t look too “manufactured.” Wood shingles are also very durable and can last for decades. They’re also easy to repair or replace if they become damaged.
Other Considerations For A Hurricane-Proof Roof
Not all roofing material is not created equal. If you’re looking for quality roofing material for your job, our company can provide the expertise you need. We analyze your area and will determine which materials will provide homeowners with the best protection for the best cost. We also consider various materials’ longevity and hurricane preparedness ratings, which can determine your client’s home’s survival in the next storm surge of the season.
But, in conclusion, you should keep these few details in mind for your next home redesign:
- Shape Of The Roof: Building shapes and roof designs should be chosen to ensure your Florida home has enough hurricane preparedness to future-proof. The safest option is to place an octagonal or hexagonal floor plan, but square floor plans are also okay. Hip roofs are the best option for roofing because they have multiple panels (slopes) that make them more wind-resistant. The roof should be sloped at least 7 feet from the ground to the peak. This will allow water to flow off the roof instead of pooling on top of it. It should also have at least two vents for airflow and an attic vent that allows hot air to escape. Finally, the roof should be covered with metal or asphalt tiles, which are more wind resistant than wooden shingles.
- Pitch Of The Roof: A steep roof can withstand more significant wind-loading pressures than a flat roof. And the roof is defined as having a pitch of 6/12 or greater, while a flat roof is defined as any roof with an angle of less than 6/12. These will affect your roof’s ability to stay put on high slopes. Slopes of around 30 degrees often have better resistance against being torn off by wind gusts or hurricanes.
- Type Of Straps And Fasteners: Retrofitting hurricane straps to your home can cost between $1,000 or $1,500, depending on the size of your house and what type of roofing material you have. Most straps are made out of galvanized or stainless steel and are designed to hold your roof onto your walls or house foundation in the case of strong winds causing uplift. Contact us today to learn more about roof straps and fasteners and what we offer.
