More and more homeowners these days are looking for protection from hurricanes. Hurricane resistance starts with your roof. But what exactly is the definition of a hurricane-resistant roof?
If you make smart decisions about your roof, you can significantly reduce the risk of hurricane damage. This protects your home’s interior and decreases the financial stress associated with hurricane damage insurance claims.
Why Hurricane Protection Is More Important Than Ever
Hurricane season is already underway in the US, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. And while an El Niño weather pattern often means slightly less brutal tropical storms, the overall trend has been worsening hurricane intensity.
Hurricanes are moving faster and intensifying more rapidly today. And they’re causing damage much further inland than normal. Hurricane Helene in 2024 is a good example of this phenomenon. It made landfall in Florida, but its effects were felt as far north as Ohio.
Unfortunately for homeowners, the increase in devastating hurricanes coincides with a beleaguered insurance industry. Some carriers are pulling out of areas altogether. Others are raising rates, denying claims, or dropping coverage for high-risk accounts, including those with aging or subpar roofs. So, property owners need to protect their homes as much as possible to avoid filing a hurricane damage claim in the first place.
Roof Reinforcement
Some homeowners in hurricane-prone areas use roof reinforcement strategies to prevent the massive damage that can result from tropical Atlantic and Gulf storms. Hurricane straps secure the roof to the home more securely. Wind forces then push downward rather than lifting the roof like a sail. This prevents wind uplift of not just the surface roofing material but the decking underneath as well.
Hurricane straps work remarkably well, but they have one downside. They’re difficult to integrate into a home that’s already been built, even during a roof remodel. The best time to add roof reinforcement is during the home's initial construction. Or you can add it during major renovations, like adding a story to the house.
Roof Structure
The roof structure also plays an important role in how well a home can withstand a hurricane. Two key structural elements matter here.
Hip roof vs. gable roof
Many homes have gable roofs. These are roofs with two sloping sides in an A-frame shape.
However, a hip roof offers better hurricane protection. A hip roof has four sloping sides and looks more like a four-sided pyramid. It deflects wind better and reduces the chance of uplift.
What are the downsides to a hip roof? This roof type can be more expensive to add, whether in new construction or a remodel. Part of the expense comes from the extra support needed
beneath to hold up a roof with four sides versus two. Like hurricane straps, this solution is best for new homes and homes undergoing serious remodeling.
Roof overhang
Another factor in reducing hurricane roof damage is the size of the roof overhang. This is the part of the roof that extends over the home's exterior wall. It’s vulnerable to catching wind and can contribute to roof uplift during a hurricane. The bigger the overhang, the more surface area for the wind to act on.
If you have a large roof overhang, you can reduce it during a roof remodel, as long as the new overhang meets local building codes. It involves:
- Shortening the rafters at the outer wall
- Cutting off excess roof decking to fit
- Placing new fascia board underneath
Roofing Material
One of the best ways to defend your home against hurricanes is to choose the right roofing material. Let’s compare three different types of roofing frequently found on homes in hurricane-prone areas.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are by far the most common roofing material in the US. They’re widely available, easiest for roofers to install, and generally less expensive.
You can find asphalt shingles treated for wind performance and other types of weather resistance. However, this is not the default standard for asphalt roofing. If you purchase less expensive asphalt shingles, you may get a product that doesn’t hold up well in severe weather. Once damaged, future problems may potentially accelerate because warping, cracking, and degranulation let water and wind penetrate.
Concrete and clay tiles
Concrete and clay tiles are a popular choice because they match the Mediterranean home styles found in the Southeast. They are fire-resistant, and their natural weight helps them resist wind uplift.
There are a few negatives with this type of roofing. First, the same weight that helps in a hurricane means tile roofing needs extra support beneath it. This isn’t always feasible for all homes.
Additionally, tile roofing can be less resistant to impact. This matters because hail and flying debris often accompany strong storms. Once a tile cracks, it provides less protection and must be replaced.
Metal roofing
Homeowners in hurricane-prone states are increasingly turning to metal roofing because it offers multiple benefits with virtually no downsides, other than a higher up-front cost. However, this initial expense is usually offset by other financial gains.
Look for a metal roofing brand tested in hurricane-force wind conditions. Choose the right product, and you’ll get Miami-Dade level protection against uplift in winds as high as 120 miles per hour.
Stone-coated metal roofing products also resist the heavy wind-driven rain that accompanies hurricanes. And you’ll find metal roofing that has earned the highest impact resistance rating from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for hail protection (hailstones as large as 2.5 inches in diameter), as well as the top UL rating for fire resistance.
Some people worry about metal roofing being loud in the rain. But modern metal roofing—especially stone-coated metal roofing for residential use—has made that concern a thing of the past.
What are some other advantages to metal roofing?
- Longevity of life--- up to 3x longer than asphalt, meaning you likely only have to replace your roof once during your lifetime
- Discounts from insurance companies because of the reduced likelihood of filing a claim for roof damage after a storm
- Low maintenance and resistance to rust, oxidation, corrosion, and the growth of mold and moss found in humid and seaside locations
Ready to Upgrade Your Home with a Hurricane-Resistant Roof?
When it comes to hurricane protection, metal roofing stands in a class of its own. It’s one of the most durable roofing materials available, engineered to withstand extreme winds, flying debris, and even fire, which can be a secondary threat in hurricane-prone areas.
For your peace of mind, request a complimentary DECRA sample. You’ll see firsthand how DECRA profiles replicate the look of traditional shingles, tiles, or shakes while lasting two to three times longer and delivering unmatched protection against the elements.
