When severe weather strikes, homes along the Gulf Coast and other storm-prone areas are often at risk of significant roof damage from trees, including fallen limbs that can puncture shingles, damage roof decking, or compromise the structural integrity of the roof.
A FORTIFIED™ roof, however, is designed to stand up to the harshest conditions and protect your home from damage caused by high winds, rain, and hail.
To achieve this certification, specific structural enhancements must be made. In this blog post we’ll cover the key upgrades that help make a roof qualify as FORTIFIED™.
Enhanced roof deck attachment
One of the most critical upgrades for a FORTIFIED™ roof is enhancing the roof deck attachment. This structural improvement doubles the uplift resistance your roof can withstand during strong winds.
By securely fastening the roof deck with ring-shank nails or screws, this enhancement ensures that the deck stays in place, even during hurricanes or strong windstorms.
The enhanced attachment provides a solid foundation for the roof, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your home.
Sealed roof deck
Water intrusion can cause extensive damage to a home during severe storms, leading to costly repairs.
A sealed roof deck reduces water intrusion by up to 95%, protecting the structure beneath your roof.
In this enhancement, a water-resistant barrier is added beneath the shingles to prevent water from seeping into your home. This feature is especially important when shingles are damaged or blown off during a storm, as it prevents water from penetrating the deck and entering your home.
Locked down roof edges
A stronger edge system is a key component of a FORTIFIED™ roof. The roof’s edges are often the first areas to be compromised by strong winds, leading to damage throughout the roof structure.
By installing a wider drip edge and reinforcing the edge system, this enhancement helps to lock down the roof edges, preventing uplift and providing additional protection from wind damage.
The result is a roof that can withstand high winds without losing its structural integrity. If your roof has already sustained storm damage, learn more about our roof repairs services.
Impact-resistant shingles
In hail-prone areas, shingle roofing with impact-resistant shingles is a must for FORTIFIED™ certification. These shingles are designed and tested to withstand hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter.
Standard shingles can crack or break during hailstorms, leaving the roof vulnerable to leaks and other damage. Impact-resistant shingles, however, offer superior durability and help protect the roof from hail-related damage, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs.
Wind and rain-resistant attic vents
Wind-driven rain can quickly become a serious problem if it enters your home through attic vents. FORTIFIED™ roofs incorporate wind and rain-resistant attic vents that are specifically designed to prevent water from entering the attic during storms.
These specialized vents maintain proper ventilation for the home while blocking wind-driven rain, ensuring that moisture doesn’t compromise the attic or roof structure.
Upgrade to a FORTIFIED™ roof today
A FORTIFIED™ roof is built to offer superior protection against severe weather. By incorporating enhancements such as an enhanced roof deck attachment, sealed roof deck, stronger roof edges, impact-resistant shingles, and wind-resistant attic vents, a home can significantly reduce the risk of damage during storms. For more tips on managing roof damage, check out our post on how to deal with roof damage after a natural disaster.
If you’re looking to protect your home and qualify for a FORTIFIED™ certification, these upgrades are essential. Contact a FORTIFIED™ roofing contractor today to learn more about how you can make your roof stronger and more resilient.