What Type of Roof is Safest?
Whether you're looking to build or remodel your home, the safest roof is one that is not only fire resistant but also hurricane and wind resistant.
The shape of a roof, its pitch and the amount of overhang will affect how much damage a home sustains during high winds or hurricanes.
Fire Resistant
Fire-resistant roof materials are a must for homes in areas prone to wildfires. Wildfires can spread rapidly and can damage a home’s structure from the inside out. Embers can be blown by strong winds, bypassing the protective covering of a building’s walls and ceilings, and can land on top of structures to start a fire within them. The roof, with its large surface area, is the most vulnerable to this hazard.
To be deemed fire resistant, roofing materials must pass strenuous tests. These tests are conducted under the supervision of a laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The results of these tests determine the material’s rating. Typically, materials receive either Class A, Class B, or Class C ratings. Class A is the highest rating and provides superior protection against fire.
The most popular roofing material on the market today is fire-rated fiberglass asphalt shingles. These shingles can hold up against flames for two hours and are considered a Class A roofing material. However, they aren’t the only option for those living in fire-prone regions.
Clay and concrete tile are non-combustible options that can give a home a distinctive Southwestern, mission, or Spanish-style appearance. These materials can also protect the house’s structural support beams. However, these tiles must be installed correctly to avoid gaps in the sheathing and underlying wood materials that can allow embers into the home. If the embers reach the support beams, they can spread the fire throughout the building and cause it to collapse.
Many homeowners in the WUI region install wood shakes and low-quality asphalt shingles as a cheaper alternative to a fire-resistant roof. Unfortunately, these low-quality shingles can easily catch fire, fueling the flames of a wildfire or starting one inside a home.
The good news is that there are now safer and more affordable roofing materials available to those in the WUI region. If you’re planning to build, remodel, or re-roof your home, make sure to talk with a contracting representative about the best options for your location. They can help you find a material that meets your budget and safety needs.
Hurricane Resistant
Hurricanes are a major threat to homes in Florida, and the loss of a roof can cause significant damage. While no roof can be made completely hurricane proof, there are steps that can be taken to ensure the safety of your home and belongings. The first and most obvious step is to choose a strong roofing material. Asphalt shingles, which are commonly used on many Florida homes, aren’t built to withstand high winds and can be easily blown away during a storm. If you’re thinking about replacing your shingle roof with something more durable, look into metal roofs. Metal roofs can withstand up to 160mph winds, which is the average wind speed of a Category 3 hurricane.
The shape of your roof also plays a role in its ability to resist hurricane-like winds. Hexagonal and octagonal roof shapes, as well as those with multiple panels, are more aerodynamic than two-sloped gable roofs. If a hexagonal or octagonal roof doesn’t suit your taste, opt for a hip roof with multiple slopes that can better withstand high winds. Experts recommend a 30-degree slope, or 7/12 pitch, for best results.
Tile roofs are another roofing option that can withstand hurricane-like winds, though they can be more vulnerable to falling debris and leaking water. They’re a great choice for homeowners that want an attractive, long-lasting roof that’s not as expensive as other roofing materials.
Metal roofs aren’t just the safest option for hurricane-prone areas; they can also protect against high winds and other weather events. These strong, long-lasting roofs are built to last 40-70 years and are extremely fire resistant. They’re also easy to install and repair if needed.
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, a metal roof is a wise investment for your safety and peace of mind. Look for one that meets the standards set for high-velocity hurricane zones, which means it has been rigorously tested to withstand high winds and debris impact. In fact, some insurers even offer discounts to home and business owners with metal roofs. While they may be a bit more expensive than traditional shingle roofs, the extra protection that they offer is well worth the investment.
Wind Resistant
In windy areas, it’s important to have a roof that will protect your home and withstand high winds. Without a wind-resistant roof, you could be subject to damage that can lead to costly roof leaks. The best way to combat this is by using shingles that are designed for high winds. You can also opt for a metal roofing system, which is typically seen on commercial buildings but can be installed on homes as well.
Asphalt shingle roofs are a popular choice for homeowners, and many newer types of shingles have good wind resistance. You can look for shingles with a wind rating of class F, which has the ability to withstand winds up to 110 mph. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you may want to consider shingles with a higher rating of class H, which can withstand winds up to 150 mph.
The shape of your roof will also affect how well it resists high winds. A hip roof is generally the safest option for high-wind prone areas because it slopes on all sides, which helps to reduce the pressure on the framing. A gable roof, on the other hand, has vertical ends that can lift and rip off during a storm.
Another great choice for a roofing material is clay tile, which has been found to offer some of the best wind-resistant protection available. These are made from earthen clay molded into rolled or interlocking shapes, fired for hardness and often left unglazed to give them their characteristic reddish-orange color. This type of roof is often found in hot climates because it can block the sun’s rays and prevent radiant heat from entering a home.
Another option for a wind-resistant roof is slate, which has been known to last for 100 years or more. This is a more expensive option but offers superior durability and strength against high winds, and it can withstand hail and other severe weather conditions as well. Regardless of the type of roof you choose, it is important to have it properly installed by Roofing Akron and regularly inspected for signs of damage or wear and tear so that your home is protected.
Water Resistant
The type of roof that is safest in rain storms is a water resistant one. A rain resistant roof will prevent leaks from heavy rainfalls that may cause serious damage to the inside of a home or building. Water resistance is achieved by using a special type of roof coating that creates an impermeable layer on the top of the roof to keep moisture out. A special underlayment is also used to add an extra layer of protection against water leaks and other damages.
A flat roof is particularly susceptible to leaks during rainy weather. This is because the low slopes of these types of roofs can trap pools of water, and moisture from the inside of a home or building can seep through any cracks or gaps in the roofing materials. A water resistant roof will prevent this from happening by using a rubberized asphalt underlayment that creates a barrier to stop moisture from entering the roof structure.
In addition, the shingles on an impact-resistant roof are designed to resist damage from things like hail. Hail can cause significant damage to a roof because it is small and can hit the roof at very high speeds. This kind of roofing material can save homeowners a lot of money in insurance claims because it will not be damaged as easily as ordinary shingles during a hailstorm.
Those who live in an area that experiences frequent, strong rains will likely want to consider a metal roof with raised seams. This is because metal roofs with a raised seam will better shed water from the top of the roof, preventing pooling and other issues that can lead to leaks and water damage.
Those who are considering a new metal roof should also think about choosing a corrugated roof that uses mechanical seams to join the panels together. This will eliminate the potential for leaks and ensure that there are no gaps in the roof where water can enter and cause damage to the insulation and interior of a home or building. Roofing Akron will be able to help the homeowner or business owner decide which type of roofing is the best for their specific needs.
Whether you're looking to build or remodel your home, the safest roof is one that is not only fire resistant but also hurricane and wind resistant. The shape of a roof, its pitch and the amount of overhang will affect how much damage a home sustains during high winds or hurricanes. Fire Resistant Fire-resistant roof…