Orlando does not typically experience extreme weather from hurricanes due to its mainland location. However, in recent years hurricanes have been affecting areas in Florida that they had not previously. Many homeowners are taking this into account and are attempting to reinforce their homes against storms such as hurricanes. Native Building Services & Roofing, LLC has compiled a list of five upgrades to storm-proof your roof.
Tie-down roof systems
Hurricanes can wreak havoc on our homes and the most tragic is when the entire roof is lifted off of the home. This causes a domino effect because everything in the home becomes exposed to the elements including your family. New constructions have the capability to install a special cable system to connect the roof to the foundation. These cables are meant to provide resistance and keep the roof attached to the home. No more roofs blowing off. This method is only possible on homes still being constructed.
For homeowners who are not building a new home, there is another option. An Orlando roofer can reinforce the connection between the roof and the home’s mainframe with specialized steel clips. These clips connect to the rafters or the trusses depending on your home and the top plate. This helps the roof not detach from the mainframe during high winds.
Continuous load path
This concept is to unify all the parts of the home so they share the load during situations of high winds. This allows an Orlando roofer to look at the entire structure and not just the roof. Although the roof is the most important and vulnerable during a storm if any section of the home is weak the entire house is weak.
Gable-end Bracing
According to FEMA, gabled roofs that do not have the proper support are to blame for roof failure during hurricanes or other instances of high winds. Gabled roofs are popular due to their aesthetic but they do not offer enough support. Lucky for you an Orlando roofer can retrofit the roof with a special brace that can better support the gables. This helps to strengthen the roof overall. The braces are attached to the roof frame or ceiling joints which is where the extra support comes from.
Shingle Roofs
Shingle roofs can be reinforced by an Orlando roofer depending on the shingle rating. Worn shingles, your Orlando roofer can use asphalt roof cement. For heavily worn roofs they can be patched up using roof cement. In some extreme cases, you may need to reroof.
Tile Roofs
Retrofitting a tile roof is debatable amongst many roofers, some believe that you cannot while others think you can. During a storm, the hip or ridge and eave tiles are the most vulnerable. If they are damaged they should be reinstalled using a new two-part expanding foam adhesive. They must be affixed to a wood or metal hip or ridge board.
Call an Orlando Roofer Today
Considering an upgrade to your roof is not an easy decision to make and you should do as much research as possible. If you are considering a roof repair, upgrade, or replacement, call Native Building Services & Roofing, LLC at 407-974-3719 to discuss your roofing needs.
