Some roof types offer better wind and hurricane resistance than others. Rima Taher is a researcher at New Jersey Institute of Technology. She spent two years studying the different research center studies regarding the best residential designs and materials needed to withstand extreme winds and hurricanes.
Exterior Building Solutions, one of the top roofing companies, shares the results of this study:
Reduced Wind Loads
Homes with a square floor plan will greatly benefit from a multi-panel roof, preferably one with four or more panels, as this will help reduce wind loads on the roofing system. Researchers also found that some areas of the roof, such as the corners and eaves, are usually subject to higher wind pressures than the rest of the system. To alleviate this pressure, you should consider adding a central shaft between the internal space and the area with the largest depression. This will help balance the pressure, leading to a reduction in your roof’s wind loads.
Most cyclonic homes also feature a simple system that’s designed to reduce wind stresses on the roof’s lower edges. This can be anything from a notched frieze to a horizontal grid installed along your home’s perimeter. By lowering the pressure on this area of your roofing system, you can experience minimal storm damage in case of a hurricane.
Better Resistance to Uplift Forces
Roofs with more than two slopes, like a hip roof, perform better than those with fewer, like gable roofs. The latter, however, is usually cheaper to build, making it a more common choice among homeowners. For improved resistance, we recommend aiming for a 30-degree roof slope. Roof overhangs are more prone to wind uplift forces than the rest of your roofing system, making them a possible cause of roof failure. For a hurricane-resistant home, limit your roof’s overhangs to 20 inches.
With these upgrades, you can help reduce the risk of storm damage to your roof. For more innovative solutions or emergency roof repair services, you can count on Exterior Building Solutions. Call us today at (314) 470-8783 to request a free assessment. We serve St Louis, Chesterfield and the surrounding Missouri areas.