Be Prepared For Storm Season
With A New Roof
Hurricane season begins June 1 and continues through November
As Sarasota-Manatee-Hillsborough’s storm damage roof repair expert, AKVM recommends replacing your roof in the spring so that you can be sure it’s storm-ready when hurricane season begins in June. A new roofing system with hurricane-rated materials can better withstand high winds and torrential downpours.
Storm-readiness Determining Factors
How much wind and rain will your roof withstand? While there will always be variables to consider, what we can tell you for sure is that you’re safer with the right hurricane-rated materials for your roof’s shape & slope.
Roof Shape & Slope
If your roof has multiple panels with right-angled slopes, it’s likely that it will perform better under hurricane conditions, particularly hurricane-force winds. The reason for this is that a multi-sloped roof provides far less area for uplifting winds to take hold of the roofing materials. For example, a hip roof’s four slopes will provide more resistance to high winds than a two-sloped gable roof, as the gable roof has a large flat area left vulnerable to strong winds.
Materials
Which roofing materials provide the best protection against hurricane-force winds? The following materials are considered hurricane-rated:
Asphalt shingle - As the most affordable (and most common) roofing option, most asphalt shingles are required by law to be manufactured to withstand 110mph winds. While they can be stripped off by a particularly strong wind, they’re easy to replace and provide flexible aesthetic options. Their affordability adds to their appeal for many homeowners.
Metal - Since metal roofing is installed in sheets, rather than shingles, they’re far less likely to become damaged when subjected to strong winds. Not only is metal roofing durable and long-lasting, but its wind resistance is also superior to other roofing materials at up to 160mph, the average wind speeds for a Category 4 hurricane.
Tile - Tile roofing is extremely durable, and given Florida’s average summer temperatures, it’s a rather attractive choice given that it can help keep heat out of the home. When it comes to wind resistance, the weight of tile roofing provides an advantage, as it is able to withstand 100+mph winds. While tiles are rarely blown off of a roof, they can be damaged due to the impact of storm debris, hail, or other sharp blows - but most times, a tile can easily be replaced without disturbing the other tiles on the roof.
Springtime is the best time to get a new roof, as it hasn’t yet become too hot and storm season is still weeks away, but our schedule tends to fill quickly, so don’t wait to reserve your appointment.
AKVM is Sarasota, Manatee & Hillsborough Counties’ trusted residential and commercial roofing contractor. Our roofers are manufacturer-certified installers for GAF, Owens Corning and more, we are an Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating and we’re locally-owned and run.
AKVM is here for you this hurricane season. Call now to schedule your free, no-obligation roof inspection so you can be sure your home is ready for whatever the season brings.
