Robert Rogers
With the changes in weather patterns, thanks to global warming and other ecological shifts, hurricanes are now unfortunately common occurrences. Though generally a preserve of coastal regions in the past, they now affect even inland areas in varying degrees. Since weather patterns are mostly unpredictable nowadays, it is essential to have the right protective measures in place, even if you do not live in a hurricane-prone region.
Those who live in such areas often try to prevent their roofs from flying off, but if you have a roof that uses solar power, you might need to take extra precautions. Metal roofing is best for any solar-powered home in a hurricane-prone region. Metal is the best material that can withstand the various adverse weather conditions your roofing will be exposed to without deteriorating. It is also a wind-resistant material and can withstand wind speeds of 140mph at most. In hurricane-prone areas, installers might recommend using interlocking panels for metal roof installation since these are stronger compared to standard fasteners. The following are the other roofing upgrades that will make your property hurricane-proof.
Gable End Bracing
Gable roofs are no doubt attractive hence their popularity. They are, however, not very strong and thus prone to wind damage. Those without proper support, such as is common in gabled roofs in older homes, are at the highest risk of getting blown away by hurricanes. You, however, can get special end braces to strengthen your roof. Gable end bracing generally involves reinforcing the wall studs along your gable ends and adding extra braces on the tops and bottoms of these ends.
Installation of Steel Clips
A strong hurricane can lift your entire roof off your property. This often happens if the roof is not firmly attached to the roofing frames. You can install a unique cable system on new homes that will tie down the roof to the foundation and thus strengthen it. A more handy solution is, however, to install distinct steel clips. These are fastened on your roof’s top plate then joined to the trusses and rafters. They protect your roof from ‘’uplifts’’ that will detach it from the roofing frame. In hurricane-prone areas, the highest number of clips is used. This is often one for every truss.
Use of Hurricane Straps
Creating a continuous load path along your roof distributes the impact of wind evenly across all its sections. You can use hurricane straps for this. The straps fasten your roof to the walls. They can also secure the frame and walls of the first floor to those of the ground floor in multi-storied buildings. In so doing, your roof’s weight is distributed throughout a building, and the roof is strengthened.
Shingle Reinforcement
Subpar shingle workmanship can prove deadly in hurricanes. To correct this, invest in 10-pennyweight threaded ring shank nails. These will help to reinforce your roof’s shingles by providing a greater hold for them to your roofing frame.
The above approaches not only minimize the odds of water damage to your property but avert the risk of your roofing or its fasteners being used as deadly projectiles. With these measures in place, you can rest easy during a hurricane. Even so, also ensure that your gutters are clean to avert backup of water under your roof.
Meta title: Hurricane Preparation: Preparing Your Roof for the Big One
Meta description: Anyone who owns a coastal home must stay alert whenever tropical storms, floods, and, most of all, hurricane-force winds are around the corner. There are several ways you can prepare, and sometimes the solution is right over your head.
George
