How to Ensure Your Roof Can Withstand High Winds

Posted March 13, 2019

There are some places in the world that get more wind than others. Some places are more prone to tornadoes or hurricanes, and both of these weather conditions can wreak havoc on a person’s house.

However, at some point in time, even living in Colorado, they will probably experience high winds from a storm. While maybe not hurricane- or tornado-force winds, they can still cause damage. Below are some ways to ensure your roof can withstand high winds.

The Structure Has to Be Good

As with anything in life, having a strong, sturdy structure is imperative. When it comes to having a roof that can withstand high winds, having a floor plan that incorporates octagonal, square, or hexagonal design will increase wind resistance. Having a sloped roof of at least 30 degrees is also a good structural design to increase wind resistance.

The Underlayment Has to be Right

The decking system of your roof has to be strong and sturdy too. Having wood that is rotting or wet will lead to issues—and more than just your roof not being able to withstand high winds. If there is particleboard as the roof’s base, that should be replaced with plywood that is heavier and sturdier. These should be fastened with ring-shanked nails spaced no more than 6 inches apart.

The Overhangs Should be Small

Having overhangs on your house can add beauty and uniqueness. However, it can also give the wind something to grab on to when blowing hard. Keeping overhangs on the smaller side will give less surface area for the wind to push on, reducing the chance of your roof getting blown off your house.

While not every area will see hurricanes or tornadoes, they could still experience high winds during a storm. Having a roof that can withstand these gusts and stay firmly planted on top of the home is a good thing. If you’re unsure whether your roof can withstand high winds, contact a top roofing company and get an inspection. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Questions? As the pros at Horn Brothers! Contact them today!