Which type of roof shape and surface material are the safest against hurricanes?

Question

I've been investigating this topic for our home renovation but can't seem to get a clear recommendation on any of these options:

- Roof options: Gable, Flat, etc
- Material: Shingles, Tile, Metal, etc

If there isn't one ideal choice, what are the trade-offs between each option?

Greatly appreciate your help. Thanks.

Answer 1

THE BEST ROOF SHAPE is an all hipped roof with small overhangs.
Some steel roofs are warranted to 175mph, some archetcheral shingles to 150mph
Make sure all rafter ties are secure. FEMA has a handbook that you can download. It really has a lot of help full suggestions.
You can find the "Fact Sheets" at www.fema.gov.
I just built a shop. I used low profile 26ga. steel roofing.

Answer 2

Flat roofs are good - but if you want a house that can stand up to hurricanes, you need something that the wind will flow over smoothly. If you choose to go with a gable roof, make sure it's not a steap slope. And also, make sure you point the flat side (the side that won't be a triangle) towards wherever the wind would generally come from. Also, make sure the foscet, the lip that hangs over the house isn't very big, otherwise the wind could catch under there and rip the roof right off.

Answer 3

There are shingles out there that are rated for high winds, I believe GAF has the best selection of these regarding color and style. In regards to the type of roof that is another issue as the wind doesn't rip off a roof in that exact context.

The pressure difference from inside the house to the outside of the house is what does it. To help prevent this make sure you ventalate the crap out of your roof so air flows through easily to prevent pressure differences. Ridge vent the whole length, don't use filtered ridge vent as they tend to flow with more of a restriction. Through independant testing it has been found that GAF 4ft vent called CRV 3 and CRV II actually has the best air flow. Followed closely by Headrick Building Products 4ft ridge vent.

Always make sure you have more under eave or soffit venting than you have ridge vent. Never use Gable vents with ridge vent either as the combination can lead to water "Sucking" back through the vent.

Since it is near impossible to get a "Perfect" ventilation system you of course want to have the strongest connection possible between your house and your rafters and roof.

Answer 4

I do think its all acording to the area you are in. You have to use so many nails in each shingle in some areas, they chane codes all the time check with you town. If its a windy area i would go for a gable roof style. And the other stuff tile and metal...you could spend a fortune and have it blow away any way if you are in a bad location...
best of luck to you. Hope it works out for you.

Answer 5

i live in the hurricane zone, 130 mph zone! we have found that a hip roof tends to get less damage.. less surface area like a gable for the wind to effect...

as far as roofing material, go with a 40 yr. arch. shingle, the weight and the way the shingle is shaped and cut tends to hold up better in these zones.....


lic. gen. contractor

Answer 6

The best thing for your roof is not just the outer covering... you should go up into the attic space and determine if the beams and spans are anchored. You can buy these anchors at most hardware stores, especially in hurricane prone areas. They are easy to install and offer a lot of resistance.

Answer 7

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