ROOFS

OPENINGS

FEATURES & EQUIPMENT

LEAKS

STRUCTURAL

SURVEY & DECISIONS

Roofs
The first line of defense in a hurricane

Extensive loss of roof cover and underlayment usually results in extensive water intrusion and internal damage including collapsing ceilings

The roof plays a critical role in keeping the weather out of your home by shedding water and transferring the force of high winds to the walls and eventually to the foundation. Most hurricane damage is related to roof failures. Roofs have two major parts: the roof deck and the roof covering. The roof deck, also referred to as roof sheathing, usually consists of plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), or wood planks.  The roof covering generally consists of shingles, tiles or other materials attached to the roof deck to shed the rain. Together, the roof deck and covering work to keep water out.

How do I know if my roof is in good shape?

• You have to take a look, inspecting the roof covering and roof deck from above and below.
  • From the roof surface or from the safety of the ground with binoculars, look for:
    • Missing, broken, cracked or loose roofing materials. If you find evidence of this, consider repairing or replacing your roof. We recommend contacting a professional.
    • Improper seals around chimneys and vents
  • From the attic, look for:
    • Signs of existing leaks in your roof, such as water stains or drip marks or other dark spots on the roof structure or decking.
    • How the roof is attached and the type of deck you have. Many roofs are not securely anchored because of less than stringent requirements several decades ago.  Also, your roof should be nailed and not stapled to the frame.  Staples are terrible roof fasteners.

What can I do to make sure the roof does its job in a hurricane?

• Shingles should be snug to the roof.  If a flap is loose, use roofing cement to glue it down.
• Tiles on the ridges or edges of the roof are the most vulnerable and should be tightly fastened.  Replace any that are missing or loose.  Tile repairs and inspection generally require using a tile roofing professional.

Roof sheathing loss at gable end. This is a common failure point.

What should I do if I am re-roofing my home or building a new home?

• Remove all the covering (shingles, tiles, metal) down to the roof deck.  Check and improve your roof deck's attachment and put on new code-approved covering.
• Choose a roof covering with a higher wind rating and one with a longer life span.

What should I do if a hurricane damages my roof?

• Immediately repair roof areas that could leak rain during a routine rain storm.
• If you can see black felt paper underneath your shingles or if you can see the plywood, you can likely expect roof leaks.
• Roofing cement, tarps, plastic sheeting and roofing felt can be used as temporary roof protection measures but most will not last and are difficult to maintain.
• When you see water leakage, don’t assume you have found the source.  High winds drive water great distances so the source of the leak may be elsewhere.

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