In addition to providing shelter from the rain, your roof should be able to protect your home from the effects of strong winds. The damage caused by high winds and water intrusion has cost homeowners thousands of dollars in property and roof repairs. This makes taking preventive measures against storm damage a worthwhile investment. If your roof is up for a replacement soon, consider the following changes that will improve wind resistance.
Roofing System With Wind-Resistant Features
The important thing to remember about wind damage is that the roof edges are the first to get hit. On an asphalt shingle roof, the first row of shingles are ones that sustain the most damage. When choosing a new roof, look for features that are optimized for wind resistance. For instance, certain roofing systems feature starter strips made from a single roll of material instead of the traditional first row of shingles. This adhesive-backed strip eliminates gaps that the wind would otherwise tear into and can minimize wind damage when you need it most.
Redesign the Roof
If your roofing budget allows rebuilding the roof structure – rafters, trusses and roof deck – consider redesigning it for wind resistance. Gently-sloped roofs are generally better suited for high-wind areas as the slope lets the wind to flow over it instead of meeting it head on as steeply-sloped roofs tend to do. What you lose in curb visibility, you gain in wind resistance. Also, consider the roof style: if you have gable roofs, consider changing them to a hip roof. The four-sided style is proven to be less prone to wind damage, which means you’re less likely to need emergency roof repair in the event that a storm strikes your area.
Roofing System Rated for Hurricane-Force Winds
Roofing manufacturers routinely perform stress tests on their products, which is why many of them offer roofing systems that are rated for hurricane-force winds. These roofs are typically rated for up to 130 miles per hour or the equivalent of Category 3 hurricanes. Some roofs with advanced features are even rated up to Category 4. Installation quality is important to meeting these ratings, which is why, in addition to finding the right roofing system, you should choose a licensed, insured and certified roofing contractor to install it.
Looking for licensed and insured roofing companies with manufacturer certifications? Call Exterior Building Solutions today at (314) 470-8783. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation estimate. We serve many areas in and near Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO.