Preparing Your Roof for Hurricane Season	Submit Your Article
By: Jessica Ackerman

Determine your Roof Type

 Before hurricanes arrive, take the time to evaluate your home's roof structure. There are different styles and types of roofs, some of which are more durable and conducive to staying structurally intact during a hurricane. Gabled roofs, those with triangular shape profiles, are considered to be the weakest type of roof during the extreme winds associated with a hurricane. This is usually because the pre-manufactured gables are not reinforced enough to withstand and be effective under high winds. There are other types of roofs that also can be structurally unsound against the pounding winds and rain. Examine your roof by getting up into the attic to see how the trusses are supported and reinforced. Take a look at the roof sheeting and materials to ensure that they are in good condition, and that they are properly installed.

Reinforcing Your Roof

If a professional roofer has determined that your roof needs to be reinforced to help maintain its integrity during a hurricane, make the necessary repairs before a storm hits. Simple two-by-fours can be used to reinforce the structure of a faulty roof. Install them by overlapping the boards across the trusses. Space them apart a distance of about one and a half feet. Do research online to get specific measurements and information about how to effectively reinforce your home's roof. If you do not feel comfortable making the repairs yourself, hire a licensed roofing contractor who comes recommended by someone you trust. While the additional cost may be more than you had anticipated, knowing that the job was done the right way and that the roof stands a better chance of surviving the force of a hurricane is worth the added expense.

Hurricane Straps

Another important reinforcement that can be added to your roof is a product called a hurricane strap. These galvanized metal straps are made to attach to almost any type of roof. Their purpose is to hold the roof to the walls of the house. In some hurricane prone areas along the coasts of the country, hurricane straps are required on all new home construction. Some areas actually require that older homes be retro-fitted with hurricane straps, to prevent damage to the existing home and other homes in the neighborhood. When a hurricane strikes, having a roof that has been properly reinforced and strapped down can mean the difference between life and death. Maintaining the structural integrity of a building ensures that those seeking shelter within it will be safe and protect neighboring buildings from flying roofing materials. Take the time to secure your roof, and when a hurricane strikes you will be able to rest a little easier.

Article source: http://www.roofer911.com

About the Author:
Staff writer for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, Jessica Ackerman has extensive design experience, using indoor outdoor wall clocks and wine bottle wall art.

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