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Hurricane Roofing: How to Prepare Your Roof for Hurricanes

While you can't control the weather, you can minimize its impact on your home. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you can take steps before and after a storm to protect your property from damage. For instance, choosing quality hurricane roofing materials and completing proper roof maintenance can help reduce roof damage.Here's everything you need to know to prepare your roof for hurricane season.Types of Hurricane Roofing MaterialsThe Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricane categories based on their highest approximate wind speeds:Category 1: 74 to 95 mph windsCategory 2: 96 to 110 mph windsCategory 3: 111 to 129 mph windsCategory 4: 130 to 156 mph windsCategory 5: 157 mph or higher windsWith this in mind, specific roofing materials are designed to resist high winds and protect against damage from debris.Impact-Resistant ShinglesImpact-resistant shingles meet the UL 2218 impact test standards, defending your roof—and home—against the natural elements. They can cost more than typical asphalt shingles but can be worth the expense if you live in a hurricane-prone region.Metal RoofingMetal roofing can resist heavy impacts and withstand high winds, making it one of the best roofing systems for hurricanes. Some metal roofs can withstand wind speeds up to 150 mph, covering you even during Category 4 hurricanes.Synthetic RoofingSynthetic roofing materials resist wind, water, and fire damage, making them beneficial during hurricanes. Since they use man-made materials, they don't rely on a natural build. Instead, they're built with damage-resistant features in mind while mimicking the appearance of natural materials. These composite roofing shingles are typically made from recycled plastic, asphalt, and other products.GAF Hurricane Roofing SolutionsYour choice of roofing materials can limit roof damage. Some products are manufactured specially to withstand the harshest weather conditions and keep everyone in your home safe. Here are a few GAF products developed with harsh weather in mind.GAF Timberline® AS II ShinglesTimberline® AS II Shingles are created with proprietary SBS-modified asphalt that's flexible to bolster impact resistance. Impact resistant shingles can be stronger than other non-impact resistant asphalt shingles, and since they pass the UL 2218 impact-resistance test, you could potentially qualify for insurance discounts. Timberline® AS II shingles come with a 25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty that protects against algae discoloration. Plus, when installed with four qualifying GAF accessories, they're eligible for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty, which provides infinite wind speed protection.GAF Grand Sequoia® AS ShinglesGrand Sequoia® AS Shingles also pass the UL 2218 Class 4 test, as they're built with the same SBS-modified asphalt formula. The DuraGrip™ Adhesive seals shingles tightly to prevent wind blow-off, and the shingles are warrantied against winds up to 130 mph, covering Category 4 hurricane winds.GAF TimberSteelTM Premium Metal Roofing SystemThe GAF TimberSteel™ Premium Metal Roofing System gives your home the hurricane-resistant capabilities of metal roofing at an affordable price. The system can help keep your home safe against high winds and rain through its multiple layers of protection. It's designed to provide a beautiful look with GALVALUME® steel that features top and bottom interlocking to keep everything tight and leakproof.Hurricane-Resistant Roof DesignsMore goes into building a hurricane-resistant roof than just the material. The roof shape and slope can provide additional resistance.Hip roofs can best resist hurricane weather. Although they're typically costlier to build than gable roofs, a hip roof's four slopes provide better wind uplift resistance than a gable roof's two slopes. As the wind flows around the roof causing pressure differences, the additional slopes are better equipped to handle the wind flow.A 30-degree roof slope also provides the best protection against high winds, preventing wind from easily lifting the roof.Installation Quality Plays an Important RoleRoofing contractors must follow proper techniques when preparing or installing a roof for hurricane season. This often means using nails instead of staples to install shingles since nails better attach the shingle to the roof and create fewer holes for water to get in. Likewise, properly installed flashing—without gaps in the intersection—helps keep heavy rainfall from entering the home.Additionally, a contractor can install hurricane clips to ready a roof for harsh weather. These steel plates secure and connect roof trusses to the home's wall structure, keeping the roof attached during high winds. In states like Florida, new homes are required to have hurricane clips installed.Preparing Your Roof for Hurricane SeasonThe Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and lasts until November 30, reaching its peak in September.Months before hurricane season approaches, schedule a professional roof inspection from a trusted contractor to ensure your roof is up-to-date and isn't damaged. This gives you sufficient time to complete any maintenance and repairs before the season arrives, as contractors might be busy once it starts.Reinforce Weakened AreasA weak spot in your roofing system can lead to further damage and compromise the rest of the roof's integrity. Even a small opening in a shingle can cause serious water damage during a rainstorm. Your roofing contractor can fix or replace loose or torn shingles, repair broken flashing or fascia, clean debris from your roof, and clear out your gutters.Mitigate Potential Tree DamageSharp winds and storms can sometimes cause tree branches to break and fall on top of the roof, damaging shingles or other materials. So, trim nearby trees as part of your roof maintenance. Also, remove fallen leaves before and after storms. Leaves can clog gutters, preventing water from flowing off the roof during heavy rain.Schedule Post-Storm InspectionsRoofing maintenance after a storm is just as important as before a storm. If a hurricane damages your roof, find a company that handles storm damage roof repair. While you can try assessing any roof damage from the ground, a roofing contractor can accurately identify the damage extent and fix it. They can also help you with any insurance claims if your policy covers you for these circumstances.Protecting Your Roof from Hurricane DamageYou can take several proactive measures to minimize the impact of harsh weather on your roof. Choosing the right materials—and ensuring they're installed correctly—is paramount. Hire a GAF-certified roofing contractor*and enjoy peace of mind as the next storm approaches.FAQCan a roof be hurricane-proof?Due to the nature of hurricanes, no roof is 100% hurricane-proof. But wind- and moisture-resistant roofs perform the best during hurricanes. This is why it's important to choose quality products that will protect your home in the worst possible weather conditions.What is the best roof for a hurricane?The best roof for a hurricane is made with impact-resistant shingles or metal. These materials can handle impacts from heavy objects that may blow onto your roof during a hurricane. Metal roofing can generally handle higher hurricane winds better than typical singles.What type of roof would most likely be torn off in a hurricane?The worst-performing roofs during hurricanes are ones that have wood shingles or shakes. Wood isn't very moisture-resistant without additional coatings. Wood shingles and shakes are also lightweight, so sharp winds can easily lift them. Furthermore, wood isn't as strong as other materials, so it can become brittle when heavy objects land on it.What is the best roof for high-wind areas?Metal roofing is one of the best roofing systems for high-wind areas, as it's built to withstand wind speeds up to 130 to 150 mph. But the installation quality is just as important as the material—even the most robust materials may not stand well against high winds if they aren't correctly installed. Additionally, When installed with the required combination of GAF Accessories, Timberline® Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology are eligible for an industry first: a wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation.To ensure your roof is in good shape to protect your home this hurricane season, reach out to a contractor certified by GAF* in your area to schedule a roof inspection.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

By Mark Soto

June 26, 2024

Featured Blogs

  • The GAF TimberSteel™ premium metal roofing system on a house
    Your Home

    3 Disadvantages of a Standing Seam Metal Roof

    When you're choosing the right roofing material for your home, you might rule out metal. Metal roofs are often expensive and noisy, and they can look wavy or distorted (known as oil canning). However, GAF has an alternative that allows you to get the durability and aesthetic appeal of a metal roof—without the high cost and finish concerns.What Is a Standing Seam Metal Roof?A standing seam metal roof is a series of mechanically attached metal panels. The attachment points, called standing seams, create a thin ridge along the outside of each panel. These seams allow the metal to expand and contract as the temperature changes without sacrificing the roof's ability to protect your home from moisture. The panels are attached to the roof structure under each seam. The fasteners don't show externally, giving the roof a consistent look.Disadvantages of a Standing Seam Metal RoofStanding seam metal roofs are known for their smooth aesthetic and durability. But they can have three significant downsides.1. PriceBetween the cost of metal and the need for professionally trained installers, standing seam roofs can cost two to three times as much as a standard asphalt shingle roof. The material cost depends on the metal's thickness, the requested finish, and the roof's size. Installation can also cost more because it takes specialized training to install the panels correctly. If they're not, they can experience leaks and metal expansion.2. NoiseWhen it rains on a metal roof, it's noisy. Attaching the roof panels to solid wood decking and adding rigid insulation can help reduce the noise level, but you can't completely get rid of it. You might like hearing the pitter-patter of raindrops on your roof during a storm. But if you don't want this extra noise in your home, you may want to avoid a metal roof.3. Oil CanningOil canning is a finish issue that occurs when the metal panels are fastened too closely together. The panels have room to expand lengthwise but not sideways. The finish begins to look like it's bubbling and continues to get wavier over time. Note that oil canning is an aesthetic issue caused by improper installation, not a material defect. The roof will continue to offer protection but will appear warped.An Alternative to Standing Seam Metal RoofsThe GAF TimberSteel™ premium metal roofing system provides an alternative to standing seam metal roofs. Here are some features to keep in mind.1. Lower costThe TimberSteel™ system can be easier on the budget and easier to install than a traditional standing seam metal roof. While installation costs will vary by location, GAF's system offers more efficient installation than traditional standing seam panels, giving you the opportunity to save additional time and money.2. BeautyInstead of sacrificing looks for durability, the GAF TimberSteel™ system is made with an embossed vertical grain, giving the appearance of traditional roof shingles, with the strength of steel. It is specifically designed to help avoid common issues, like oil canning, that traditional metal roofs present. The TimberSteel™ system is also available in a variety of colors to suit your home and taste.3. Durable finishAs the first metal shingle from GAF, the TimberSteel™ Premium Metal Roofing System is constructed out of GALVALUME® steel and coated with a combination of aluminum and zinc, which help to protect against corrosion. The GAF TimberSteel™ system also passes UL's toughest impact-resistance test — UL 2218 Class 4.In addition, metal roof systems are completely recyclable when reaching the end of its useful life, making them a great choice for the environment.While GAF's new metal roofing system is currently only available in select areas, you can learn more and sign up to receive information about the TimberSteel™ system, including updates on availability in your area, by visiting gaf.com/metal.

    By Dawn Killough

    March 22, 2024

  • A couple looks at their home from the ground.
    Your Home

    How to Conduct a Roof Inspection from the Ground

    As a homeowner, it's always a good idea to stay on top of routine maintenance that will help protect your biggest investment—and that includes a regular roof inspection. Catching leaks or damage early can help preserve your roof's longevity and prevent major issues.But getting up on a ladder to walk around on your roof can be dangerous. It's safer to visually inspect your roof from the ground. Read on to learn how to conduct a routine roof check, so you'll know when it's time to bring in a professional.Walk around the Entire PropertyTo see all the angles of your roof, you'll first need to walk around your home, looking up and down. Check for any fallen shingles or debris on the ground or any missing spots on the roof where shingles may have broken off.Using binoculars, look for moss, piles of leaves, algae, or other debris on the roof. If left unaddressed, this debris can damage the structure by trapping moisture, eventually causing it to seep into the sheathing beneath your shingles. After some time, this can develop into serious water damage and leaks.Look for Damaged ShinglesExcessive heat and moisture in your attic, typically caused by inadequate ventilation, may compromise the roof system's performance or even cause shingles to become misshapen or damaged. Loose, curled, cracked, or buckled shingles can leave room for water to seep in and damage your roof's underlayment.If you see shingles that don't look right or are missing altogether, consult a roofing professional. They can help you understand if it's a simple fix or indicative of something larger, meaning it could be time to replace the roof.Check Your Gutters, Fascia, and SoffitNext, look for obvious damage, such as holes, dents, mold, or cracks. Gutters clogged with branches, leaves, or dirt can prevent water from draining off the roof. Also, asphalt shingles contain small, gravel-like granules, and if you see this material has ended up in your gutters, it can mean the shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan. Inspect the downspout to be sure it's clear of debris, too.While you can remove leaves or sticks yourself, hire a gutter cleaning service for a larger blockage. If you need to climb a ladder to reach any part of your gutters, it's best to leave that to an insured service.Peek at the Flashings from the BalconyIf you have a balcony or other way to safely view your roof from above, get a closer look at the flashings. These are the metal components that redirect water from your roof, located around your chimney, vent pipes, and dormers.Flashings are often the most vulnerable areas around your roof and the first to show wear and tear. If they're dented, rusty, or otherwise damaged—or if the caulk is brittle or cracked—water can get into your roof's interior structure and lead to rot.Examine the Attic or CrawlspaceAfter your exterior inspection, head inside. Some hidden roof damage or water infiltration can be seen from your attic. Using a flashlight, look for signs of rotting wood joists, sunlight coming through the joints, water damage on the floor, or any vulnerable spots around vents, skylights, or the chimney. Also check your rafters, insulation, and any other wooden structures for signs of mold, moisture, and rot.Scan Your Home's InteriorSome early signs your roof might be leaking are obvious from inside the house. Look for damp spots near the fireplace, water stains on the pipes that vent your furnace or water heater, dark patches, or peeling paint on your ceilings.When to Go with a ProPerform a visual roof inspection twice a year—in the spring or early summer and again in the fall. Conducting regular inspections helps you get to know your roof and spot any issues immediately.If your roof looks like it's in good shape after your inspection, you probably don't need to call in a licensed roofing contractor. However, if you've seen any worrisome signs of damage or leaks, it's best to book a professional inspection before the issues worsen. A GAF-certified roofing contractor* can make any necessary repairs, so your roof continues to protect your most valuable asset.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

    By Wendy Helfenbaum

    March 22, 2024

  • Squirrel on a roof
    Your Home

    How to Secure Your Roof to Prevent Animals in the Attic

    While unwanted animals in the attic can be a problem year round, it's when the weather starts to get colder and we all want to spend more time indoors that neighborhood critters begin to consider moving in with you in earnest. To prevent animals seeking refuge in your cozy attic (and thereby possibly in other parts of your home), you need to ensure pests can't access it through roof. The best time to do that is during spring and summer when it's still warm outside and the local wildlife hasn't—necessarily—started hunting out new habitats.Here's how to keep animals outside and prevent unwanted intrusions.Inspect Your RoofThe only way to know if you might run into a possible animals in the attic issue is by getting your roof inspected for vulnerabilities. It's typically best to call a roofing contractor* as they will know what to look for. They can spot any openings in the roof's structure, patch any holes, or replace damaged shingles. These are all things animals will seek out in order to make their way inside your home.It's generally recommended that you have your roof inspected at least twice a year. Get one inspection before winter, either in late summer or early fall. Then get another one close to spring, when the snow has melted, so you can see any damage that might have occurred in the freezing weather. During these inspections, a roofer will also review your attic and look for warning signs—like chewed wood—that might signal pests are already inside.Trim Nearby Tree BranchesAnimals often use trees to climb onto roofs and direct overhanging branches make it even easier for them. Accordingly, regularly trim branches near your roof to prevent curious squirrels and other animals from gaining access.Plus, trimming tree branches has other benefits. Untrimmed branches can fall on the roof and scratch the shingles or cause more serious damage. Once winter arrives, branches that get too heavy with snow are more likely to break and fall on the roof.Cover Vents and Other EntriesRoof vents naturally have openings to allow for proper air circulation, making them another way animals get inside an attic. But you can cover these vents and still keep them working effectively. Install a roof vent cover with steel mesh to keep debris and animals out. The robust material also helps prevent animals from chewing through. Some roof vents, like the GAF Cobra® SnowCountry® Advanced or the GAF Master Flow® SSB960 Super Slant-Back Roof Louver, offer an internal filter/screen that not only resists snow and weather infiltration but also helps prevent insects from gaining access.If your home has a chimney, that's another factor you have to consider. You can have a roofer install a cover like a GAF Master Flow® Chimney Cap, which allows smoke to safely leave the chimney but stops animals from coming in. It also helps prevent debris from falling inside the flue, making it a must-have product during the winter.Lastly, cover up any openings between the shingles and gutters with a product like properly installed drip edge flashing. If you don't already have a drip edge installed between these two areas, hire a roofer to install it for you, so rodents can't get inside.Clean GuttersAs gutters get filled with debris, leaves, and standing water during the year, animals may see this as a an invitation to move in. Mice and birds sometimes build nests on gutters. Mice can make their way into your home to nest inside as the weather outside gets colder—and that's a problem.Also, if you don't routinely clean out debris, standing water may pool in the gutters, serving as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Termites and ants are also attracted to dirty gutters.Clean your gutters twice a year, ideally after spring and always right before winter— you don't want snow to add to the weight of the existing debris.Remove Food SourcesFinally, if you don't want animals in the attic, reduce the chances of them getting near your property in the first place. Always close and secure the lid on your garbage can outside so animals don't consider your property as a food source. Also, avoid leaving any other garbage bags outside since squirrels, raccoons, and other animals can easily rip through them. If you have pets and keep food outside for them, bring it indoors instead.Trust the ProfessionalsYou might be tempted to get up on a ladder and clean your gutters or inspect your roof yourself, but these are tasks best left to trained professionals. Reach out to a local contractor* for help checking the health of your roof or addressing any potential entry points.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

    By Mark Soto

    August 09, 2023

  • Empty unfurnished loft mansard room interior with wooden columns and wet concrete floor on roof leve
    Your Home

    What to Know about the Modern Mansard Roof

    What's old is new again. In addition to musical tastes and clothing trends, this is often the case with certain architectural styles.Today, the modern mansard roof is experiencing a comeback. The first known use of this roof style was in 1550 where it appeared on a portion of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. The mansard roof derives its name from François Mansart, a French architect who favored the style and used it in many of his building designs.Its unique style and aesthetic appeal led to its growth in popularity and spread into other countries, including England and Italy. Eventually, the style made its way to the US and Canada; it can be found on many historical buildings and throughout older cities.What Is a Mansard Roof?A mansard roof has four sides with two slopes, and the lower slope typically has a steeper pitch. Often, dormer windows are tied into the mansard roof, giving the building a distinctive appearance. The style can be either straight, convex, or concave, offering several options to complement the home's architectural design.One of the reasons for the mansard roof's popularity is that it can transform typically unusable attic areas into functioning, livable spaces. This is because the design offers more headroom and the dormer windows bring in natural light.The 1970s and 1980s saw a resurgence in mansard-style roofs in new construction, with the style appearing on apartment buildings and condos as a way to maximize space and capitalize on natural lighting. However, as these structures now need their roofs replaced, many owners are looking to modernize and enhance their properties' curb appeal.What Is a Modern Mansard Roof?The modern mansard roof is a new take on an old favorite. It may feature additional windows and use more contemporary roofing materials.Gentrification of historic city areas has seen homeowners purchasing and renovating older homes—many of which feature mansard roofs. Some single-family homeowners who want to expand their living spaces have been adding mansard-style roofs to attics, which can help open the space without having to add another story.While putting a new spin on this traditional roof style, many people have become interested in applying modern roofing solutions. A modern mansard roof may feature more architecturally appealing roofing materials, like GAF Timberline HDZ® shingles, which deliver both beauty and protection. Modernizing a mansard roof on an existing property may also include adding windows to the surface to help light up the interior space.Design Appeal Can Be Found Inside, TooIn addition to apartment buildings and single-family homes, modern mansard roofs are increasingly appearing on tiny homes. These roofs can maximize the living space on the second floor, which is often used as a sleeping area in many of today's smaller homes.Some people are also choosing mansard-style roofs in new construction because of the unique appeal they can add to a home's design. The loft area under the mansard roof can be designed with high windows, exposed beams, and natural wood accents to create a cozy additional space. This can be used for an office, a playroom, or a relaxing reading nook.As with any roof style, mansard roofs have pros and cons, so talk to a professional roofing contractor who can help you determine if a mansard style is right for your home. They can also help you identify the right roofing materials if you're looking to modernize an existing mansard roof.

    By Karen L Edwards

    May 16, 2023