Hurricane strength storms have visited southeast and central Texas in the past few years. Some of the most recent history has seen lots of College Station roofing damage. Many areas of the country are in hurricane zones, like the Gulf of Mexico. However, many homeowners do not realize that a hurricane does not necessarily dissipate before traveling inland. In fact, hurricanes simply slow down activity until energy is released. That release of energy often comes in the form of strong winds. Hurricane force winds can be measured well over 100 miles inland. College Station, TX falls just outside of costal properties, but does experience hurricane force winds. The roofing industry has responded by creating special roof types that hold better against hurricane winds.
Backed By Research
Wind researchers the Center for Building Science and Technology in France used a wind tunnel to perform testing on different housing structures. Several other studies have pointed to a round open floor plan with a hip roof. The design minimizes the force of winds on the structure, however, the shape of the prototype housing structures are not currently widely used. Though the new design and architectural styles are still being ironed out, the research has provided detailed analysis on what current roofing systems hold up the best against hurricane force winds.
College Station Roofing Construction Recommendations
- Homes with a square, hexagonal, or octagonal floor plan and more than four roofing panels have reduced wind loads. The open floor plan serves to distribute the force of the winds across the roofing system.
- Optimal structural integrity of the roofing system and its attachment points reduce damage done to the roof and reduce the amount of debris. The use of increased number of attachment points helps to keep the roof and components in place.
- High ridge roof corners are subject to greater wind loads because of their angle and the uplifting force of winds.
Wind Resistant Roofing Materials
As technology continues to improve so does the technology of the roofing materials used in College Station roofing system built for hurricane winds. Building codes often require the roof’s base layer to serve as a secondary water barrier. Usually this applies to costal municipalities, but the extra layer or protection does help prevent water entry. Other roofing options like metal roofing and concrete tile provide additional stability due to their composite material strengths.
Attachment is also very key in ensuring the College Station roofing holds up against hurricane strength winds. Manufacturers and professional roofing contractors have a guidelines that determine the number of attachment points for each roofing component. Additionally, materials like fiberglass shingles often come with a self-adhering strip that provides both water protection and additional attachment strength.
Schulte Roofing is a professional College Station roofing contractor that has over 18 years of servicing roofs in hurricane prone areas. With over 100 years of combined experience in the roofing industry, Schulte Roofing can design and build the hurricane proof roof for your budget.