Posted on 08/18/2024 12:23:38 PM PDT by Mean Daddy
Hello Freepers that live in Hurricane areas. I live in the Midwest and we've experienced high winds this year to the point where I had some ridge shingles taken off. Assuming I'll have to replace my roof in the near future, looking for recommendations on what folks use if they're in the hurricane areas as you sustain high winds for prolonged periods of times.
I live in a neighborhood where we can't use shake/fake shake type of roofing material. Maybe metal with an asphalt look to it but for the most part, everyone has to use the architectural asphalt shingles.
Find and hire a reliable roofing company. Make sure that you specify in the contract and verify in practice heavy weight tar paper, the specific brand of shingles that you want, and stainless steel ring shanked nails.
Your roof should have hurricane clips installed according to Florida coastal codes. Hurricane clips are nailed or screwed on metal joiner plates that strengthen roof trusses and their attachment to the upper wall plates. That can be an expensive and time consuming job. Trust me though on this: I have seen well-shingled roofs ripped off homes because they did not have hurricane clips.
Depending on budget and construction stage and quality, you may want to have hurricane proof windows installed. In practice, even with the best shingles and strongest roof, high winds can demolish a house if one or more windows get blown out.
Garages are another vulnerability. Hurricane proof garage doors should also be installed. Your other doors should also be made hurricane proof.
A qualified architect or contractor can be helpful, but budget can be an issue.
Finally, keep your paperwork as to materials and installation contracts and have the work inspected, certified, documented, and even photographed in a way that will satisfy your home insurance agent and company. That may help lower your windstorm insurance rates.
My apologies. I assure you it was not a dig at the residents of Guam but at a certain honorable member.
Don’t forget if those shingles extend the life expectancy of the roof spending that extra $2000.00 may save you money in the long run.
Simpson Strong Ties has a good range of products you can view online.
I’ve also heard horror stories of the roofers not using roofing nails on the shingles.
Reputable companies that have a lot of recommendations and give you a list of recent houses they did with the shingles you want to use, are a lot safer than cheap roofers that have questionable teams and reps.
When I reroof I will go with steel.50 year warranty
I like those requirements, you’ll forget about the cost when wind goes over a hundred MPH.
“… Same with my nephew a few miles away in Lynn Haven FL, shingles ok, roof ok. My dad built the house in 1989 and used twice as many hurricane straps as code required.”
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Yep, using more than the required number of hurricane straps or ties are the magic ingredient in hurricane resistant houses.
If you do go with Asphalt shingles I have some suggestions.
If possible have it installed when it is HOT outside. This will help the shingles glue themselves right away instead of having to wait for a warm season.
Monitor the installation and be a jerk about them doing it exactly as the instructions indicate. I installed shingles and observed most roofers skimping on nails. Roofers are often paid by the number of square feet covered(shingles used). Manufacturer warranty ends when the manufacturers rep lifts some shingles and discovers skimping on nails.
If possible have the contractor on the hook (in writing) if the manufacturer voids any warranty due to installation errors.
If you do not inspect the work as it is happening it will be all covered up and the installer is long gone before an issue surfaces.
Main point, a 3 tab shingle must have 6 nails(2 on each tab) not 4 (one each end and one above each tab cutout).
Shingles without ‘tabs’ have similar instructions.
Instructions are usually printed on every bundle.
Nails that all stick thru the decking(way too long) will collect moisture from cold nails and condensation. Rain inside the attic kind of defeats the purpose. A few nail ‘tips’ sticking thru is OK. Better too long than too short, but, there is a possible downside if in a humid environment with overnight temps below dew point frequently.
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That's a great idea! The reference to 6 nails per shingle, is that hurricane installation or what's expected by most shingle manufacturers? I have a bundle I bought when I had wind damage - just in case. I'll have to go read it now!!
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