Hurricane season is here. Roofing is a large concern for home owners during this time. Anything can happen during a hurricane and it’s important to be prepared. Is your home ready for the risk? Many have questions about what might help protect their roofs from being damaged or torn off their homes during a storm.
In This Article
Tips for Keeping Your Roof Safe
For many, the wind rating of a roof isn’t important; however, if you live in an area where hurricanes (or tornadoes) are likely to happen, it can become necessary. Knowing how to care for your roof or ensure when it’s installed that you’ve got something to withstand hurricanes is important. How do you know what to look for? These tips are great ways to make sure you’ve got the best roof for the job:
• Work with a contractor who’s licensed and experienced
• Use appropriate materials
• Match new materials to the underlayment
Experienced and Licensed Contractor
Roofing can be a DIY job, but that’s not the best option. In locations that generally suffer from extreme weather conditions, doing a DIY job on your roof can be dangerous. It’s important to know the materials and the proper way to piece everything together. This is where a licensed contractor comes in. A contractor that is licensed and experienced in putting roofs on homes in extreme weather areas will know the safest route. He or she will understand how important it is for your roof to withstand the high winds and treacherous weather conditions.
A licensed and experience contractor will know the differences in material and be able to explain this to you so you’ll understand you’re getting the best option. They’ll also be able to piece everything together without issues or concerns about whether or not the work is done properly. It’s important to choose the right contractor for the job. Research contractors in your area and find the best choice for the job.
Appropriate Materials
Knowing the worst weather in your area can help in this category. If you have high winds and hurricanes or live in an area with heavy rain and snowfall, you’ll want materials designed to resist water or withstand heavy winds. There are many options (discussed later) that could work, but it’s important to know which will work best for you. Having the best option for the job makes the work easier and you’ll feel better knowing your home is protected.
Matching Materials
An underlayment is a great option to repel moisture, but if you don’t have the right materials to fasten the metal to the underlayment, you could wind up with a major safety issue. High winds could remove your metal panels and they could be dangerous if they become completely detached from the roof. It’s important to make sure you have the appropriate fasteners for the metal pieces to attach to the underlayment. This will also help increase the wind resistance in your roof and ensure you’ve got what you need to protect your home.
Material Options
There are many choices for metal roofing materials. Some are more water resistant, some more wind resistant, some are better off for looks. It’s important to know which ones you’re getting before you purchase. Knowing the type of roofing you need will help you choose the best materials for the job.
If you live in an area prone to experiencing hurricanes or tornadoes, it’s important to check the wind rating of the roofing product (120mph for Erie Home’s metal roofing system), as well as whether it meets Florida’s performance rating for the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ).
Concerns
Research has found some metal roofing systems have the ability to withstand heavy winds and protect the home while others don’t. Some roofing types are easily blown off the roof, allowing water to enter and damage the building at the site of missing metal. It’s difficult to know which system will be safest. It’s important to remember important steps to finding the best option for the job.
One of the biggest concerns is that many people don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing their roof. The instructions by the manufacturer are important because they created the product and know the best way to make it work. If it’s not installed properly, you could lose your roof when the winds pick up and more damage could be caused in the long run. It’s also important to know building code requirements and follow those as well. Your area building codes are designated by law to make sure your home is safe. These codes are important when putting a new metal roof on because they could dictate the type of materials or design you’re allowed to use.
Construction and Installation
It’s important to be sure your construction and installation of a metal roof is done properly. You want to make sure your roof isn’t going to be a problem in the future. Ventilation is important when installing a metal roof. Having proper ventilation will ensure there aren’t any high-pressure areas that might cause the decking under the metal roof to separate or move. Keeping close watch over the roofing while installing it can help you find areas that might need more ventilation.
Installation is important for metal roofing. If the materials are improperly installed, it could result in leaks, damage to the home, or problems with the metal roof itself. If you’re in a hurricane area, proper installation is a critical element of having a metal roof. Fastening, connecting, and even trim installation can all have an impact on the outcome of not properly installing a metal roof. The best way to know if you’re installing the roof properly is to check building codes in your area and use a professional contractor with significant experience installing metal roofs.
Conclusion
With so many roofing choices, it can be difficult to choose the best one. The most important choice is the roofing system that protects your home best. Always be sure you’ve done your research and know your building codes and materials before selecting your next roof. It’s also important to keep an experienced and licensed contractor in mind in case you need additional help. Metal roofs can be tricky to install, you want to make sure it’s done right to keep your home safe in a storm.
Contractors with the knowledge and experience of installing and maintaining metal roofs are always the best choice when making such a significant improvement to your home. Once you’ve researched the materials, codes, and contractors, you’re ready to move forward with installation.
Always keep in mind the importance of proper installation. You don’t want your roof to need repairs or replacing long before it should because it wasn’t properly installed the first time. This could cause damages and dangers if a storm arises before you’ve had the chance to resolve these issues.