Your roof is your first line of defense against the fury of nature. Your roofing protects you and your home from the scorching heat of the sun to the heavy downpour of rain. However, hurricanes may be one of the most damaging attacks on your roof’s integrity unleashed by Mother Nature. They have wind speeds of at least 74 mph that can easily unhinge any weak structure that they encounter in their paths.
How Damaging Hurricanes Can Be
To know how damaging a hurricane can be, let’s look at its 5 categories. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale can help you assess if your home stands a chance against a hurricane.
Here are the 5 hurricane categories, classified by their wind speeds.
- Category 1 Storm – Hurricanes under Category 1 have wind speeds in the range of 74 to 95 miles per hour.
- Category 2 Storm – Hurricanes that have wind speeds of 96 to 110 miles per hour.
- Category 3 Storm – Hurricanes that have wind speeds of 111 to 129 miles per hour.
- Category 4 Storm – Hurricanes that have wind speeds of 130 to 156 miles per hour.
- Category 5 Storm – Hurricanes that have wind speeds of 157 miles per hour and higher.
Hurricanes that are under categories 1 and 2 can tear off some of your roof’s shingles and tiles, or portions of flashing. They can also hit your gutters and leave you with a leaking roof over your head.
Hurricanes classified as categories 3 and 4 can do more serious damage. Their stronger winds can wreak havoc on your roof’s covering, decking and gable ends, both from the wind and some tree limbs.
Category 5 hurricanes can easily tear off your roof’s decking and gable ends, causing more extensive and devastating damage to your homes.
Keep Your Roof and Your Home Hurricane Proof
A roofing professional can install metal hurricane clips or straps that attach your roof to your home’s walls. The added structural support helps your roof withstand the strong winds brought about by hurricanes, making it less likely to be ripped off. He can also toughen up your roofing by applying roofing cement under our shingle tabs or apply adhesives between the roof rafter and deck.
Your roof must be checked and maintained at least once a year. Damaged and unchecked roofs do not stand a good chance with hurricanes. Be proactive, and improve your roof’s wind resistance and structural integrity.
Call Your Trusted Roofing Experts
If you have been hit by a hurricane and your roof has taken a beating, call a reliable roofing company near you. Experienced roofers can fix your roof and make it more weather resistant. Even if your roof is still in one good piece, do not hesitate to have it examined.
Written by Enrich Construction, the best service for roofing in Columbia, MO.