With weather experts predicting some major hurricanes this year, you might be wondering whether there are roofing options that can withstand everything. The short and truthful answer is no: nothing is completely hurricane proof. However, there are indeed some specific roofing options that you can consider that are better equipped to handle strong winds and rain.
Roofing Options
Regardless of your choice, ensure that your roof is checked before the season starts and that any tiles are installed properly by a professional Kissimmee area roofer. Loose tiles can easily be ripped off, even in a Category 1 hurricane.
Asphalt
This is a great option not just because it is aesthetically pleasing but because it can generally withstand the average hurricane. It’s possible to still lose a few tiles during any heavy storm, but the shingles are lightweight and easy to work with—it should be simple and inexpensive to get them replaced after.
Still, while tiles can always be replaced, you may not want to deal with that after every hurricane.
Metal
Metal roofs have a high wind resistance, making them more impact resistant and less likely to get blown away. Of course, being more impact-resistant does not mean that they’re completely protected, but they are often considered more durable than other options.
This is partially because of how they’re installed in larger pieces, which makes them more difficult to dislodge.
Tile
You’ve probably seen many Florida homes with tile roofing. Tiles are great because they can withstand a lot of heat, but they can also manage a lot of wind. This helps them to be more resistant to storms.
Wood Shingles
You can rely on wood shingles to stay relatively sturdy during a hurricane. But the problem with wood shingles is that they aren’t generally very durable. You will have to do a lot of work to keep them in good condition, which can be more expensive in the long run.
Slate
You might already love slate roofing because they can be recycled and are more environmentally friendly. These tiles have good wind resistance, too, since they’re hefty and more durable, making it more difficult for wind to get underneath them and rip them off. This helps them withstand harsh weather conditions.
They do require a little more of an investment, since these tiles tend to be more expensive to install.
Roof Shape and Slope
Beyond roofing type, a few other factors can influence how hurricane resistant your roof will be.
It’s important to understand that the shape of your roof matters, because the shape can help minimize the impact of the winds. So, if you’re getting your roof redone or building a new home, you’ll want a roof with a hexagon or octagon shape with a multiple-panel roof. This reduces the wind load.
Pay attention to the slope of your roof too. Roofs with right angles, or four slopes, have higher wind resistance than roofs with only two slopes. Basically, it’s beneficial to avoid flatter roofs.
Hurricane Clips
You can also try to reinforce your roof before a hurricane. Ask our professionals about hurricane clips, also known as hurricane tiles, which we can fasten to your roof to help reinforce the structure and protect your existing tiles.
Keep in mind, though, that even these aren’t hurricane proof. They cannot ensure that you have no damage at all.
Schedule Your Roof Inspection With Us
The fact is, there’s no roofing option that will completely prevent hurricane damage. No roofing is hurricane resistant, but you can pick some of these options that are known to have better durability and give your roof a better chance of withstanding a storm. No matter what option you pick, though, make sure to have your inspected both before and after the storm.