Living in a storm-prone area can be a daunting prospect. After all, you never know when the next big storm will hit!
So, you will want to ensure your home is protected. Choosing the right roofing design is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home from storms.
We must consider several factors when choosing a storm-resistant roofing design. Among these aspects are the materials used in the roofing design and construction.
We started reviewing these factors in our previous post. So, let’s continue learning about the most storm-resistant roofing designs.
- Managing Wind Pressure
During a storm, the air pressure inside and outside the house can cause significant roof damage.
When strong winds pass over a roof, they produce a low-pressure zone. Vents and crevices in the roof allow wind to enter the space below, forming a high-pressure area. A house’s roof may blow off under that much uplift.
Some factors that contribute to the pressure difference are:
- Buildings and vegetation may reduce wind speeds around your home.
- How many windows and doors you have might increase the amount of high pressure and wind that enters your home during a storm.
- Taller homes experience higher wind speeds.
- Enhanced uplift pressure due to steep slopes.
- Moreover, you can take the following measures to reduce the effects of the wind:
- Place a central shaft to equalize the wind pressure above and under the roof.
- You can reduce the uplift pressure by shortening the length of the roof overhangs.
- The maximum distance an overhang can extend from a wall is 20 inches.
- Reduce wind pressure on the roof’s lower edges by installing a grid close to the gutters around the building’s perimeter.
- Adequate Drainage
Gutters are the most effective means of controlling rainwater and avoiding water damage inside the house. Hence, ensure the gutters you install are proper for your roof’s design and pitch. They must handle the additional rainfall volume that a storm produces.
During hurricane season, pay extra attention to the condition of your gutters. Clogged gutters will collect water instead of releasing it. So, gutter collapse or damage can occur. Besides, it can cause water to pool on the roof or rush through any weak spot.
Inadequate gutters and downspouts might weaken the roof’s stability and protection over time. When gutters are not doing their job, water can gather around the house’s foundation, threatening the building’s stability.
- Structural Maintenance
Repairing any structural problems with your home before hurricane season is a wise decision. Otherwise, rot and other forms of deterioration can compromise your house’s structural integrity.
Did the hurricane season finish? Delaying fixing your roof or any other part of your house may be tempting.
Please, don’t do that. Storms may do significant damage to weaker places!
Keep your house in tip-top shape by performing routine inspections and upkeep.
Get the Right Roofing Design and Proper Installation for Your Home
Ensure the roof you pick is proper for your house and local weather. The best way to choose the right roofing design for your home is to talk to a qualified roof contractor Baton Rouge. They will assess your needs and recommend the best roofing design for your home.
HUDCO Roofing & Exteriors can provide you with the help you need. You can get in touch with us by calling us at 225-414-6153. We service areas in Alexandria, Houma, and Ruston, LA.