Roofing materials should withstand years of weathering, but they may not last against strong winds. Intense storms can loosen or lift rooftops, exposing attics to water damage. Homeowners can avoid paying for wind uplift and water repairs by learning how to strengthen their roofs before the next seasonal storm.
Strengthen Connections Between Frames and Trusses
When homeowners go into their attics, they can see where their house frame and roof trusses meet. Both provide a structure for roofs to sit on, but the connections between those two parts may not be durable enough to withstand strong winds. Roof repair and replacement costs rose 30% in 2024, so homeowners should consider quick fixes to prevent costly projects.
Determining whether the joints are loose could be challenging without proper training. Homeowners should contact a roofing inspector for a closer look. If they say the junctures could use fortification, homeowners can install truss supports. The metal plates hold the roof framing together within the attic, so outside wind forces are less likely to loosen the connection points.
Add Multiple Waterproof Barriers
Water can find its way into an attic even without extreme winds. Each drop will seep through weakened material or find tiny cracks that are not visible from the ground. Waterproof barriers make any home more durable against similar damage by reducing long-term water exposure.
Homeowners install elements like self-adhered membranes around their vents or chimneys. The additions prevent water from leaking into areas more likely to form cracks. Membranes also prevent long-term water damage from weakening support structures within the attic. If water cannot soak into framing, a house retains its structural integrity even during storms.
Reduce Air Movement
Intense winds can push through tiny gaps in or around a roof. Once the air gets inside, pressure builds in the attic. Storms that last for hours can create enough pressure to lift the roof. If external winds are pushing against it at the same time, the roof can come off. Eliminating even the smallest opportunities for air pressure issues will make a roof more resilient against wind uplift.
Homeowners should consider various cost-effective materials for a project, such as spray foam. The tool seals tiny gaps, reducing air movement through an attic during both calm and turbulent weather. Wind cannot get in, build pressure and contribute to wind uplift damage. A professional inspector can identify the best places to install materials like spray foam, especially in older homes that might have more attic gaps.
Place More Nails Per Shingle
Vigilant homeowners who conduct visual roof inspections year-round may catch water damage and warping, but it is much harder to spot the nails in each shingle. Contractors should put more than a few nails in each shingle, but some teams do not meet that higher standard.
A roofing inspector can check out any homeowner’s shingles to note any areas where there are insufficient nail patterns. Adding more nails is a simple project that reduces the likelihood of wind damage and water intrusion. The key is understanding which shingles need them.
Install High-Quality Flashing
Flashing is another roofing tool that homeowners might not know about. The material sits over vulnerable roof joints and usually features metals such as aluminum or steel. Flashing adds more structural stability to any roof while protecting a building’s envelope by directing rainwater. Homeowners can add flashing around any rooftop walls, chimneys or pipes. Roofing professionals are also available to see where flashing could help and install it for those who prefer.
Seal the Roof Edges
When contractors install roofs, they apply a layer of sealant before installing the shingles. An inspector may discover that a roof needs additional sealant around the edges because the contractors did not place the original layer close enough to the edges. Homeowners can add more along the edges underneath their shingles to eliminate airflow openings. The simple step will make their roof more resilient against uplift before the next storm system moves in.
Getting an estimate from a local contractor could help. They will know how to check the existing sealant without harming the shingles. Homeowners will learn exactly where they can apply a new sealing agent, which might make any desired DIY work more effective for those who do not want to pay contractor fees.
Creating a Durable Roof
Strong winds pose roofing concerns, but they do not have to guarantee extensive damage. Homeowners can make their roofing stronger by looking for gaps, strengthening their attic structure and adding more nails in their shingles. Every effort makes a rooftop stronger and could prevent costly damage.
