Coastal states are very familiar with the six-month long Atlantic hurricane season, taking place each year from the beginning of June through the end of November. This is the time of year where residents stock up on everything from candles to canned goods in preparation for a severe weather event. And while you may have supplies and an evacuation plan in place, there are a few things homeowners should consider before the season starts.
Hurricanes are notoriously unpredictable, and are known for the extensive damage they can cause on homes and buildings in general, especially in the roofing department. There are ways to be prepared for this, however, and to set yourself up for the best case scenario if a storm were to hit your area. So, what roofing is best for hurricanes? Keep reading and discover the top roofing materials, brands, and more to be prepared and proactive this hurricane season.
Table of Contents
– What Roofing is Best for Hurricanes?
– Metal Roof
– Clay and Concrete Tiles
– DaVinci Slate Roof
– DaVinci Shake Roof
– Roof Shape and Pitch
– How to Prepare your Home
What Roofing is Best for Hurricanes?
How many times have we seen shocking footage of strong winds completely taking the roof off of a building during a hurricane? While this is definitely the worst case scenario, tons of homeowners can still experience water and wind damage with their roof in place. Roofs made from poor-quality material with leaks or cracks can create devastating water and wind damage within the home itself.
Therefore, if you’re wondering what roofing is best for hurricanes, it’s important to first consider the material. There are a variety of roofing products available that are built to withstand strong weather conditions including hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, hail, and more! Choosing a roof built from said material is a great way to set yourself up for a successful hurricane season, and to protect your home and its contents.
Metal Roof
While most may not consider a metal roof the most traditional looking or aesthetically pleasing, it is surely one of the most durable. So, for those of you wondering what roofing is best for hurricanes, metal roofs offer unmatched protection for high winds and heavy rain. In fact, they are able to withstand winds of up to 160mph! Hurricane categories and wind speeds are listed below for comparison:
Metal roofs are also easy to install and maintain. In most situations, metal roofs are installed in larger pieces than standard roof tiles. This alone makes it much easier to install, but this same quality makes it sturdier and harder to dislodge in the face of hurricane-force winds.
Not only that, if you live in a coastal region and are in the market for a new roof, you will definitely want to consider a metal roof made of aluminum or zinc. These materials are amazing corrosion-resistant options, which is a huge benefit when factoring in how the salt-air can affect your roof and home.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
If you’ve been to Florida or any other coastal region, then you’ve seen these tiles adorning a colorful home with stucco siding. The popularity of this roofing material can be contributed to the following:
- A large amount of customizable styles and colors offered
- Clay and concrete tiles are easy to recycle and resistant to fire
- They are long-lasting and can stand strong against the salt air
- These tiles can withstand winds up to 130mph
It is important to remember, however, that clay and concrete tiles may not be ideal for every home. Winds can sometimes exceed 130mph, especially in Florida, so they may not be the safest option. They are also one of the more expensive options, and the material itself can be heavy, which may not be sustainable for certain homes.
DaVinci Slate Roof
What roofing is best for hurricanes? Well, you can’t go wrong when you go with DaVinci! A DaVinci Slate roof is a gorgeous option for any home and boasts a Class 4 Impact Rating, Class A Fire Rating, and can withstand winds up to 110mph. In fact, according to DaVinci’s website, “our composite roofing has passed tests for Miami-Dade County, Texas Department of Insurance and High Velocity Hurricane Zone.”
Customers also love all of the customizable features DaVinci products have to offer, and the appealing and authentic appearance of their synthetic slate. Natural slate is also really heavy, and over time can become brittle, chip, and crack. DaVinci slate is lightweight, resilient, and made to last for decades. Not only that, DaVinci offers a Limited Lifetime Material Warranty, as well as a 10-Year Non-Prorated Material and Labor Guarantee!
DaVinci Shake Roof
Image of a spectacular synthetic shake roof from www.davinciroofscapes.com
DaVinci products are synonymous with quality, and are an all-around awesome option for any of your roofing needs. When it comes to what roofing is best for hurricanes, however, many would agree that natural shake fits the coastal aesthetic while maintaining the capability of withstanding strong winds. Even so, there are many downfalls to installing natural shake that homeowners should consider:
- Natural cedar shake is prone to warping and rotting over their lifetime
- The natural material can retain moisture and grow algae and mold
- Require a lot of maintenance and cedar shake roof cleaning
- Less durable than synthetic cedar shake roofing materials
And that’s just to name a few! If you love the look of natural cedar shake, but are looking for something more durable that requires less maintenance, a DaVinci Shake roof is the way to go! Their composite shake product resists impact, cracking, curling, fire, insects, fungus and algae growth.
Aside from its ability to withstand strong weather conditions, DaVinci products are a great way to increase a home’s value and curb appeal. Plus, there are many parts of the country with rules against natural shake products on roofs. DaVinci composite shakes are welcome and preferred in those areas, and can sometimes even earn homeowners a discount on their yearly insurance premiums!
Roof Shape and Pitch
Aside from the material itself, another important factor to consider when deciding what roofing is best for hurricanes is the roof’s shape and pitch. When it comes to wind-resistance, aerodynamics is essential. This can be the difference between your roof taking the brunt of high winds and storm damage versus minimizing impact. In a recent study from Science Daily, it’s believed that roofs with a hexagon or octagon shape, as well as those with multi-panel features reduce damage caused from wind.
The pitch, or the slope, of the roof plays a huge role, as well. It’s believed that homes with multiple slopes provide a better defense against high-wind situations. 30-degree slopes tend to have the best resistance against lifting off during a hurricane with strong winds.
Other important things to consider include the type of straps and fasteners that are used. In Florida, as well as other areas prone to hurricanes, roofs should be fastened with nails instead of staples. Nails are much stronger, and straps should be used to secure rafters and wall studs.
In fact, Florida mandated hurricane ties for all homes built after Hurricane Andrew. So, if your home was built in 1992, you can have hurricane straps fitted to your home under $2,000, depending on your specific roofing needs. It’s also important to know that most hurricane fasteners are made from steel, and are designed to hold your roof down in case of strong winds that cause uplift.
How to Prepare Your Home
The best way to protect your home starts with planning and preparation. This starts with being proactive, and addressing any roofing concerns before the start of hurricane season. Not only will this ensure that your roof is ready in the case of inclement weather, but should also provide some peace of mind should a strong hurricane affect your region.
The next step is to choose an experienced roofing company to assist you in this process. Your roof and your home are a major and extremely important investment, so is the roofing company you choose to be a part of this process. Elite Exteriors is proud of their expertise and experience when it comes to your roofing needs, and has a reputation for excellence, efficiency and integrity.
The next, and probably most important step, is to schedule a roofing inspection. Inspections are truly the only way to know what you’re working with when it comes to hurricane preparedness and your roof. To find out what roofing is best for hurricanes, and to schedule your NO-COST initial consultation and inspection, call Elite Exteriors today at 470-350-3024, or fill out our online form.