PATH - A Public Private Partnership for Advancing Housing Technology

Tech Set 5: Storm-Resistant Roofing

A strong, durable roof is a home's first line of protection against a major storm. Most storm related damage is caused not by outright structural failure, but by water infiltration - which can lead to mold. This Tech Set shows you how to protect against both structural failure and water infiltration.

Taken as a whole, these recommendations will help builders build storm-resistant roofs in areas that are at a high-risk for being hit by strong winds. Most of them add minimal additional costs to the finished cost of a roof. Many of these recommendations should even be used on homes outside of the hurricane region.

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1. Moderately pitched (4/12 to 6/12) hips rather than gables
2. OVE structural members for roof truss components or engineered wood girders
3. Install hurricane straps to load bearing components
4. Use baffled ridge and soffit vents to minimize the number of roof penetrations
5. Extend fascia board so it terminates below the underside of the soffit

6. Securely attach grid-marked sheathing of appropriate thickness
7. Tape decking seams with a self-adhering bitumen tape or peel and stick roof membrane
8. Install underlayment correctly
9. Use proper flashing and starter strips techniques
10. Install a light-colored wind and impact resistant roof covering
11. Use proper fastener/nailing schedules


Code Considerations

Additional Roofing Resources

Tech Set Printout [ .pdf, 396 KB]

Content updated on 9/14/2007

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