Sachin

Extreme weather conditions like hurricanes and tornados can be damaging to your home. If you are in an area prone to these inclement elements, your roof is the most at risk. The upward pressure brought about by tornados or high wind forces may blow off your roof and expose the interior of your home.

Your roof must be durable and sturdy. Your family and belongings need protection against the harmful effects of these natural disasters. For a hurricane or tornado proof house, below are the list of things that you must do:

Choose hip roofs over gable roofs

The more slopes on your roof, the better the aerodynamic mechanism there is to prevent the roof from being uplifted. Since hip roofs have more slopes and are not steep or flat, they create a wind-resistant protection to your home. However, if you already have gable roofs installed, then, you must brace the end walls.

Strengthen roof to wall connections

Sturdy connections of the roof structure to the foundation and its connections to the walls are important aspects to consider. Once reinforced, your roof will be fastened securely to your house and will reduce the roof’s wind loads or local wind stresses that may blow your roof off.

Correctly install roof underlayment

For an effective water-barrier when roof coverings and/or other materials were already removed by strong winds, tear-resistant synthetic felt or a stick and peel membrane may be installed on roof decks. These base layers are regulated by local municipality codes and come with specific manufacturer’s instruction that you must observe.

Attach roof decking securely

Roof decks and sheathing will protect your home against extreme winds and water intrusion once roof covering and underlayment were detached. So, you must make sure the roof deck is anchored securely to the frame. The sheathing should also have proper spacing and must be thick enough to increase roof's resistance to uplift forces.

Pick the right outer layer too

Although metal roofs are the most hurricane-resistant type of roof, you may still choose the outer layer that will complement your house’s architectural design. However, you must make sure that other types such as shingles and concrete tiles are installed correctly.

Use hurricane clips or straps for added protection

Installing hurricane clips or straps underneath your roof’s sheathing will securely anchor your roof to the walls. This way, your house will be more disaster-resistant for they can withstand high winds and upward forces that can be detrimental to your roof.

Remove any threat like trees and branches near your home

Strong winds brought by hurricanes or tornadoes may cause branches and trees to break and be a threat to your house. Look around your house and remove any potential risk to be more prepared for the damaging effects of intense weather.

The best way to be prepared for the destruction hurricanes or tornadoes may bring is to make sure your home has strong and durable roofing protection. To ensure that your house is disaster and wind-resistant, hire a professional roofing company to correctly install your roof layers for you.

Written by True Son Exteriors, the best contractor for roofing in Columbia, MO.