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Flat Roofing is a very popular option for homeowners across the United States. They often provide a sleek, modern look for both residential and commercial properties. However, one question that is asked regularly is, Are Flat Roofs Good for Hurricanes?
Hurricanes are a natural disaster that causes significant damage to homes and buildings. Being one of the worst forms of natural disaster, knowing which materials and roofing types to choose is important. Unfortunately, no roof is completely hurricane-proof. However, some roofing types are more hurricane resistant such as flat roofs. One of the most important factors for a roof to withstand a hurricane is the slope.
Steep-Slopped Roofing is better equipped to withstand and handle hurricanes and winds. Flat Roofs are often more susceptible to damage because they have a larger surface area for the wind to push against. But are flat roofs good for hurricanes?
Are Flat Roofs Good For Hurricanes?
Flat Roofs are not ideal for hurricane-prone areas. Due to a large surface area, they lack the wind resistance that sloped roofs offer. Also, water can accumulate on flat roofs due to their minimal slope, causing leaks and water damage. Debris can also accumulate on a flat roof during a hurricane, causing damage to the roof and blocking drainage systems.
During Hurricane Season, you need a roofing system that can protect your property. Winds can often cause issues for flat roofs due to the large surface area. When the wind pushes against flat roofing, it can often cause damage to form. Quality hurricane-resistant roofing options include types with steep slopes and strong materials. Wind Damage can occur to any property though.
Hurricanes are more likely to cause issues for Flat Roofs over sloped roofs. This is something to note when considering a flat roof during the hurricane season. With various roofing systems on the market, knowing which one to choose for your residential or commercial property is important. With over 10 years of roofing experience, we can protect your property from strong winds and wind damage.
However, Flat Roofs have Pros and Cons in regard to wind damage and hurricanes. Below, we have covered wind damage and strong winds protection. From materials we offer and how you can protect your business and commercial property.
Pros And Cons Of Flat Roofs For Hurricanes
Choosing your roof is a big decision. With different roofing systems on the market, choosing the right material is important. Strong Winds can cause issues for any type of roofing. However, Strong Winds are more likely to affect Flat Roofs during hurricane season. As business owners or property owners, protecting your investment is important. But what are the pros and cons of flat roofs during strong storms and windy seasons?
Below, we have covered the Pros and Cons of Flat Roofs and which you should choose for your roof. If you would like to discuss a new roofing system, we can help.
Pros Of Flat Roofs For Hurricanes
While Flat Roofing isn’t ideal for winds and storms, they do have some benefits. These benefits make flat roofing a popular choice for homeowners on a budget. Below are some of the benefits flat roofing provides:
- Affordability: Flat Roofing is typically less expensive compared to other roofing types. As business owners with commercial property, this can often save you thousands of dollars on your roof.
- Space: Flat Roofing can double up as additional space. For residential properties, this can become a balcony or other living space. As business owners with commercial property, this is more likely to be used as storage.
- Durability: Flat Roofing is a durable roofing system. Whether you are looking for storm or wind protection, a quality installation can help. Many roofing systems struggle to withstand storms so choosing a durable one is important.
Whether you own a commercial or residential property, a flat roofing system can protect your property from storms and winds. However, it is important to be mindful of water and debris.
Cons Of Flat Roofs For Hurricanes
While flat roofing systems do provide various benefits, they also provide some drawbacks and cons too. With few hurricane proof roofs on the market, knowing which to choose to protect your property from a storm is important. Below, we have covered the cons of flat installations through our 10+ years of experience.
Some installations may provide more benefits or drawbacks depending on the quality and materials.
- Lack Of Wind Resistance: Flatter roof types have less wind resistance. This means that wind can easily pass over an installation, increasing the risk of wind and storm damage to your roof.
- Water Accumulation: Due to the lack of slope, Water easily accumulates on flatter installations. This means that your roof becomes at risk of water damage and dampness. With a sloped installation, you don’t have the same issues. Having a quality membrane and installation can prevent high levels of damage.
- Debris Accumulation: Alongside water accumulation, your installation will also accumulate Debris. Through the season, you may experience a range of debris and issues that you wouldn’t with sloped materials. Again, using quality materials can prevent many of the issues you may experience.
- Limited Insulation: Flat Installations have limited insulation options. This means that you may see higher bills for energy during both the summer and winter months. A good quality membrane may be able to reduce some of the high costs you encounter.
- Limited Design Options: With sloped roofing, your roof can have character and style. With flatter installations, you find that there is a lack of design options. This means that your roof may look similar to others. While you may be able to vary your membrane, the flat options are all very similar.
Considering both the pros and cons of flat installations is important. With major drawbacks like high energy bills and wind damage possible, you may find some of the sloping options beneficial. Sloping options include Asphalt Shingles, Metal Roofing and more. Again, it depends on what you need for your roof.
Conclusion
Overall, a flat roof installation is not ideal for hurricane protection. If you are looking for a roofing type to better protect your property, we would recommend choosing a slopped installation of a strong material. We would also recommend using a quality membrane to support your chosen material.
As a Roofing Contractor, we have over 10 years of roofing experience. If you would like to find out more about our range of services, speak to a member of the TDH Contracting team.
The best type of roof for a hurricane is a steep-sloping roof. They often have a steeper angle compared to flat installations which allows wind to pass over them with ease. This also means that they are less likely to become damaged during a bad weather event. Also, sloping roofs are designed to move water and debris much quicker, preventing damage and dampness.
Overall, the best type of roof for a hurricane is a steep roof.
Yes, Metal Roofs are considered to be better for hurricanes and bad weather. Metal Roofs are designed to be much stronger and more durable than other materials. This means that your roof will resist high winds and damages without costing you a fortune in repairs. The main benefit of metal roofs for hurricanes is the wind resistance it offers. Due to their interlocking panels, metal roofing doesn’t bend or change shape like other materials. providing a solid barrier.
No roofing type is 100% hurricane proof. However, Metal Roofs are a very strong, durable roofing material. They provide great protection during the hurricane season and can deflect water and winds very well. If you are considering a material for your roof that will keep your property safe, then Metal is a great choice. You should also consider pairing it with a good membrane.
Metal Roofing usually comes in the form of interlocking panels. These panels interlock into each other, providing a strong structure. This prevents any transform of shape or bending of your roofing in the strong winds.
The best roof design for hurricanes is a sloped installation. A steep sloped roof will prevent debris and water from pooling and damaging your roofing. Also, a sloped roof will allow water and wind to pass over freely, without any restrictions. As a roofing contractor, we offer a range of sloped roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing and more.
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