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Hurricane Roofing: How to Prepare Your Roof for Hurricanes

June 27, 2024

While you can't control the weather, you can minimize its impact on your home. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you can take steps before and after a storm to protect your property from damage. For instance, choosing quality hurricane roofing materials and completing proper roof maintenance can help reduce roof damage.

Here's everything you need to know to prepare your roof for hurricane season.

Types of Hurricane Roofing Materials

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricane categories based on their highest approximate wind speeds:

Category 1: 74 to 95 mph winds
Category 2: 96 to 110 mph winds
Category 3: 111 to 129 mph winds
Category 4: 130 to 156 mph winds
Category 5: 157 mph or higher winds

With this in mind, specific roofing materials are designed to resist high winds and protect against damage from debris.

Impact-Resistant Shingles

Impact-resistant shingles meet the UL 2218 impact test standards, defending your roof—and home—against the natural elements. They can cost more than typical asphalt shingles but can be worth the expense if you live in a hurricane-prone region.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing can resist heavy impacts and withstand high winds, making it one of the best roofing systems for hurricanes. Some metal roofs can withstand wind speeds up to 150 mph, covering you even during Category 4 hurricanes.

Synthetic Roofing

Synthetic roofing materials resist wind, water, and fire damage, making them beneficial during hurricanes. Since they use man-made materials, they don't rely on a natural build. Instead, they're built with damage-resistant features in mind while mimicking the appearance of natural materials. These composite roofing shingles are typically made from recycled plastic, asphalt, and other products.

GAF Hurricane Roofing Solutions

Your choice of roofing materials can limit roof damage. Some products are manufactured specially to withstand the harshest weather conditions and keep everyone in your home safe. Here are a few GAF products developed with harsh weather in mind.

GAF Timberline® AS II Shingles

Image of a house with a GAF Timberline Roof next to a close up of the singles

Timberline® AS II Shingles are created with proprietary SBS-modified asphalt that's flexible to bolster impact resistance. Impact resistant shingles can be stronger than other non-impact resistant asphalt shingles, and since they pass the UL 2218 impact-resistance test, you could potentially qualify for insurance discounts. Timberline® AS II shingles come with a 25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty that protects against algae discoloration. Plus, when installed with four qualifying GAF accessories, they're eligible for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty, which provides infinite wind speed protection.

GAF Grand Sequoia® AS Shingles

A house with a GAF roof next to a close up of the shingles

Grand Sequoia® AS Shingles also pass the UL 2218 Class 4 test, as they're built with the same SBS-modified asphalt formula. The DuraGrip™ Adhesive seals shingles tightly to prevent wind blow-off, and the shingles are warrantied against winds up to 130 mph, covering Category 4 hurricane winds.

GAF TimberSteel^TM Premium Metal Roofing System

Close up of the roof of a house with the GAF TimberSteel Metal Roofing System installed.

The GAF TimberSteel™ Premium Metal Roofing System gives your home the hurricane-resistant capabilities of metal roofing at an affordable price. The system can help keep your home safe against high winds and rain through its multiple layers of protection. It's designed to provide a beautiful look with GALVALUME® steel that features top and bottom interlocking to keep everything tight and leakproof.

Hurricane-Resistant Roof Designs

More goes into building a hurricane-resistant roof than just the material. The roof shape and slope can provide additional resistance.

Hip roofs can best resist hurricane weather. Although they're typically costlier to build than gable roofs, a hip roof's four slopes provide better wind uplift resistance than a gable roof's two slopes. As the wind flows around the roof causing pressure differences, the additional slopes are better equipped to handle the wind flow.

A 30-degree roof slope also provides the best protection against high winds, preventing wind from easily lifting the roof.

A Roofer Installing GAF AS II Shingles on a Roof

Installation Quality Plays an Important Role

Roofing contractors must follow proper techniques when preparing or installing a roof for hurricane season. This often means using nails instead of staples to install shingles since nails better attach the shingle to the roof and create fewer holes for water to get in. Likewise, properly installed flashing—without gaps in the intersection—helps keep heavy rainfall from entering the home.

Additionally, a contractor can install hurricane clips to ready a roof for harsh weather. These steel plates secure and connect roof trusses to the home's wall structure, keeping the roof attached during high winds. In states like Florida, new homes are required to have hurricane clips installed.

Preparing Your Roof for Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and lasts until November 30, reaching its peak in September.

Months before hurricane season approaches, schedule a professional roof inspection from a trusted contractor to ensure your roof is up-to-date and isn't damaged. This gives you sufficient time to complete any maintenance and repairs before the season arrives, as contractors might be busy once it starts.

Reinforce Weakened Areas

A weak spot in your roofing system can lead to further damage and compromise the rest of the roof's integrity. Even a small opening in a shingle can cause serious water damage during a rainstorm. Your roofing contractor can fix or replace loose or torn shingles, repair broken flashing or fascia, clean debris from your roof, and clear out your gutters.

Mitigate Potential Tree Damage

Sharp winds and storms can sometimes cause tree branches to break and fall on top of the roof, damaging shingles or other materials. So, trim nearby trees as part of your roof maintenance. Also, remove fallen leaves before and after storms. Leaves can clog gutters, preventing water from flowing off the roof during heavy rain.

Schedule Post-Storm Inspections

Roofing maintenance after a storm is just as important as before a storm. If a hurricane damages your roof, find a company that handles storm damage roof repair. While you can try assessing any roof damage from the ground, a roofing contractor can accurately identify the damage extent and fix it. They can also help you with any insurance claims if your policy covers you for these circumstances.

Two Roofers look up at a roof being installed

Protecting Your Roof from Hurricane Damage

You can take several proactive measures to minimize the impact of harsh weather on your roof. Choosing the right materials—and ensuring they're installed correctly—is paramount. Hire a GAF-certified roofing contractor^*and enjoy peace of mind as the next storm approaches.

FAQ

Can a roof be hurricane-proof?

Due to the nature of hurricanes, no roof is 100% hurricane-proof. But wind- and moisture-resistant roofs perform the best during hurricanes. This is why it's important to choose quality products that will protect your home in the worst possible weather conditions.

What is the best roof for a hurricane?

The best roof for a hurricane is made with impact-resistant shingles or metal. These materials can handle impacts from heavy objects that may blow onto your roof during a hurricane. Metal roofing can generally handle higher hurricane winds better than typical singles.

What type of roof would most likely be torn off in a hurricane?

The worst-performing roofs during hurricanes are ones that have wood shingles or shakes. Wood isn't very moisture-resistant without additional coatings. Wood shingles and shakes are also lightweight, so sharp winds can easily lift them. Furthermore, wood isn't as strong as other materials, so it can become brittle when heavy objects land on it.

What is the best roof for high-wind areas?

Metal roofing is one of the best roofing systems for high-wind areas, as it's built to withstand wind speeds up to 130 to 150 mph. But the installation quality is just as important as the material—even the most robust materials may not stand well against high winds if they aren't correctly installed. Additionally, When installed with the required combination of GAF Accessories, Timberline® Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology are eligible for an industry first: a wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation.

To ensure your roof is in good shape to protect your home this hurricane season, reach out to a contractor certified by GAF^* in your area to schedule a roof inspection.

*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

About the Author

Mark Soto

Mark Soto is a freelance writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has comprehensive knowledge of home improvement projects based on his previous work. Mark comes from a family of DIYers and has worked with landscapers, plumbers, painters and other contractors. He also writes about camping and his enthusiasm for the outdoors.

La línea más nueva de tejas asfálticas reflectantes diseñadas por GAF, Timberline HDZ® Reflector Series, puede brindarle a su hogar más protección contra la intemperie y un atractivo aspecto exterior.Las tejas para techado, disponibles en elegantes colores oscuros, crean una estética atractiva que puede usarse para cumplir con ciertos requisitos de códigos relacionados con la reflectancia. Esto es particularmente importante en California, donde los códigos edilicios estatales, como el Título 24, y las normativas locales, como el Código Edilicio Ecológico del condado de Los Ángeles, requieren una reflectancia específica en los techos para ayudar a conservar energía.A continuación le mostramos lo que debe saber sobre estas nuevas tejas reflectantes, incluida su tecnología exclusiva y el potencial para permitir ahorros en costos de energía.Características de las tejas Reflector SeriesLas tejas Timberline HDZ® RS tienen varios puntos fuertes que les permiten destacarse respecto de la competencia. Gracias a su diseño, las características de las tejas de techado mejoran la reflectancia y ofrecen protección adicional contra las algas y el viento.Gránulos EcoDark®Las tejas Timberline HDZ® RS cuentan con gránulos EcoDark®, una tecnología con una nueva fórmula que ofrece colores oscuros ricos y profundos sin perder reflectancia. Entre los colores disponibles se incluye carbón, que actualmente es el color más oscuro con alta reflectancia en California, y varias otras combinaciones, cada una con un aspecto completo y dimensional.Tecnología LayerLock®Las tejas asfálticas tradicionales tienen varias capas de material conectado con adhesivo o fijadores mecánicos. Con la tecnología GAF LayerLock®, las capas de tejas se fijan mecánicamente. Esto ofrece protección adicional contra el viento, que puede desprender las tejas del techo.Gracias a la tecnología, GAF puede afirmar que es pionero en otra cosa en la industria: ofrecer una garantía sin límite de viento máximo**.Cuatro beneficios de las tejas Reflector Series para propietariosLas tejas Timberline HDZ® RS le ofrecen varios beneficios.1. Cumplimiento de los códigos y reducción del costo de refrigeraciónEn California, las tejas RS pueden usarse para cumplir los requisitos de reflectancia solar de edificios residenciales altos, según se indica en el título 24, parte 6 del Código de Regulaciones de California de 2022 y el Código de Estándares Edilicios Ecológicos del condado de Los Ángeles. Ambos códigos fijan un índice de reflectancia mínima, denominado índice reflectivo solar (SRI, solar reflective index), que mide la capacidad de un material para reflejar el sol y la luz solar. Cuanto menor sea el valor de SRI (de 0 a 100), más caliente será un material bajo la luz solar. Cuanto mayor el valor, más frío será el material.Las tejas con un SRI más alto, como GAF Timberline HDZ® RS, reflejan más luz solar, ayudan a reducir la temperatura interna y la energía (y los costos) que se necesita para refrigerar su hogar.2. Colores oscuros y ricos que combinan con cualquier estilo o estéticaYa no tendrá que elegir entre colores oscuros, ricos y profundos, populares en la arquitectura moderna, y el cumplimiento de los requisitos de reflectancia. Además de ofrecer una opción en color carbón, el color de alta reflectancia más oscuro, los otros colores de la línea cuentan con mezclas de colores GAF High Definition® que le brindan a las tejas Reflector Series un aspecto dimensional similar a las tejas de madera.3. Protección contra algas verde-azuladasLas manchas de algas verde-azuladas, una cianobacteria llamada gloeocapsa magma, pueden reducir el valor de su hogar. Las tejas HDZ® RS incluyen la tecnología contra las algas GAF Time-Release, que utiliza cápsulas especialmente diseñadas impregnadas con miles de partículas de cobre. El cobre se libera de manera uniforme a lo largo del tiempo y evita el crecimiento de las algas durante muchos años. 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Las características de las tejas le brindan protección adicional a su hogar y pueden reducir los costos de refrigeración, algo que puede suponer un ahorro para su bolsillo.¿Está listo para obtener estos beneficios en su techo? Comuníquese con el contratista de techado certificado por GAF*** más cercano para obtener más información.*La garantía limitada StainGuard Plus™ de 25 años contra decoloración provocada por algas verde-azuladas está disponible solo en productos vendidos en paquetes que incluyen el logotipo StainGuard Plus™. *La garantía limitada StainGuard Plus PRO™ de 30 años contra decoloración provocada por algas verde-azuladas está disponible solo en productos vendidos en paquetes que incluyen el logotipo StainGuard Plus PRO™. Consulte la Garantía limitada de tejas y accesorios GAF para conocer la cobertura y las restricciones completas.**La garantía limitada contra viento WindProven™ de 15 años en tejas Timberline® HDZ™ requiere el uso de fajas iniciales GAF, protección de cubierta de techo, cumbreras para tejas y barrera contra filtraciones o ventilación de áticos. Consulte la Garantía limitada del sistema de techado GAF para conocer la cobertura y las restricciones completas. Visite gaf.com/LRS para conocer los productos GAP elegibles.***Los contratistas inscritos en programas de certificación GAF no son empleados ni agentes de GAF, que no controla ni supervisa de ningún otro modo estas empresas independientes. Los contratistas pueden recibir beneficios, como puntos de recompensa de programas de lealtad y descuentos en herramientas de marketing de GAF, por participar en el programa y ofrecer garantías mejoradas de GAF, que requieren el uso de una cantidad mínima de productos de GAF. Sus arreglos con un contratista, y todos los servicios que le pueda ofrecer, están sujetos a los Términos de uso del contratista.

Under sunny blue skies, GAF hometown workers from Minneapolis joined over 4,000 Habitat for Humanity volunteers to donate their time and energy to the 2024 Carter Work Project in East St. Paul, Minnesota.The landmark 40th anniversary of the Carter Work Project celebrated former President Carter's 100th birthday. It also heralded the completion of 30 new all-electric homes in The Heights—the largest affordable housing development yet for Twin Cities Habitat—and marked the first installation of GAF Timberline Solar™ Energy Shingles.Supporting the Carter Work Project's PurposeGAF and the Habitat Carter Work Project share a common mission—to protect what matters most and bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Safe, secure, affordable housing is one of the surest routes to building resilient communities.Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter were early champions of affordable housing. In 1984, they partnered with Habitat for Humanity to lead an annual week-long housing build. The momentum grew, and now, four decades later, over 100,000 Habitat volunteers have helped construct over 4,400 affordable homes for families in need.Each year, GAF volunteers travel from around the country for the Carter Work Project. GAF Community Matters also donates roofing materials, training, and installation expertise. Since 2011, GAF and its national network of certified contractors have supported roofing installation on over 3,800 roofing systems in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, impacting more than 15,500 individuals.Building Resilience in MinnesotaThis year was particularly special thanks to first time solar shingle installation at a Carter Work Project. Even more, the project's location was in a GAF hometown and local GAF employees were on-site to volunteer.Benefitting Homeowners by Going Solar"We're donating 40 roofing systems and 40 solar energy systems from GAF and GAF Energy," says Jake Pream, a territory manager for GAF Energy in Minnesota.In addition to energy production, the beauty of the GAF Timberline Solar™ Energy Shingle is its simplicity. The nailable shingles are "just like your typical Timberline HDZ® Shingles," says Fan Ulacia, Director of Product Deployment Applications for GAF Energy and one of the minds behind the solar shingle design. "They're simple enough to install with a nail gun, but they produce energy." For Ulacia, improving access to solar energy, giving back to the community, and helping homeowners gain energy independence make GAF Energy a great fit for the GAF Habitat partnership."The solar-powered roofing system will make these homes more resilient, generate energy, and be a long-term benefit to Habitat homeowners by helping to offset their energy costs," adds Jeff Terry, vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability at GAF, who has volunteered at the Carter Work Project for 26 years.Helping a GAF HometownThe Twin Cities Habitat build is also special because it means the Carter Work Project takes place in a GAF hometown. As Pream, a St. Paul native, puts it, "I have friends and family quite literally a few houses down."The Minneapolis GAF manufacturing facility opened in 1935, and "it's something we're really proud of," says Austin Owens, a local GAF technical manager. Over the years, "we've made improvements to equipment and operations and made changes to help the environment and sustainability. We try to help the community as much as possible."Like many GAF volunteers at the Carter Work Project site, Joey Och, a GAF plant process engineer, grew up in the area. "Affordable housing is something Minneapolis and St. Paul have been pushing for," says Och, "so it's nice to be out here and help. Affordable housing brings more people into the community."With GAF donating roofing and solar energy systems for this year's project, safe and affordable homeownership, with reduced energy bills, will be accessible to more people.This housing security helps strengthen the community. The area may experience severe weather and its share of hardship, but "there's a lot of resiliency in this community," says Owens.Carrying On the Carter Work Project in 2024 and BeyondFor many reasons, the Carter Work Project inspires repeat volunteers. "Community does matter," says annual participant and GAF CARE Learning and Development Instructor Michael Humenik. "It's just fun to volunteer. I look forward to coming out every year."Habitat homeowners who return each year to volunteer are the true testament to the transformational power of access to safe, affordable housing. LeAndra Estes brought her hard work and a big smile to the week-long Twin Cities build. Estes is an annual volunteer for the program that changed her life. "I need and I want to give back to Habitat for Humanity, to the affiliates and partners, and to the future homeowners to come," she notes.Estes puts into words the value of affordable housing and how the benefits ripple far beyond the home. "When you have a home, you don't just have that home and your family. Your community also becomes your family," she explains.Although former President Carter has retired his tool belt after decades of humanitarian service, he surely must have been proud to see his legacy continue to evolve, especially with the revolutionary new solar shingle that supports homeowners' financial independence.Ready to get involved? Explore the Habitat for Humanity GAF Contractor Program and change lives for the better, starting today.

Installing a new roof that will protect your home and family for years to come is a major investment. That's why it's important to have adequate roof warranty protection once the job is complete.While most reputable roofing manufacturers provide basic warranty coverage against manufacturing defects in the roofing materials, it's often better to choose enhanced warranties that also cover installation. These warranties are available through your roofing contractor or manufacturer, and they're transferrable should you sell your house.Understanding what is—and isn't—covered can help you make an informed decision. Here's what you need to know when selecting your warranty.Comparing Types of Roof WarrantiesRoof warranties come in three main types, and understanding the differences can help you select the right one for your needs.Standard Manufacturer's Product WarrantiesMost roofing manufacturers provide basic coverage against factory defects, often at no additional cost. And if you install qualifying accessories in addition to shingles, some manufacturers offer better coverage.For example, if you purchase and install GAF Designer or Timberline® Shingles, the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty automatically covers them. It also covers qualifying GAF accessories for up to 40 years. If you install at least three qualifying GAF accessories, you'll also receive the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty, which provides a lifetime warranty on accessories and shingles.Most standard manufacturer warranties—also known as product warranties—only cover defective materials and components, not shingles that fail due to installation or maintenance mistakes.Contractor WarrantiesThe roofing contractor you hire to install your roof system plays a vital role in how well it performs and lasts. In addition to basic manufacturer warranties, many contractors offer a workmanship or contractor warranty, which covers you against future problems resulting from application errors (roof issues due to contractor installation mistakes).These warranties' details and terms vary by contractor. Some provide lifetime coverage against worker errors and damages inside your home stemming from faulty workmanship. However, contractor warranties don't protect your roof from weather damage, falling trees, or issues from roof modifications after installation. Ask your roofing contractor what their warranty does and doesn't cover.Enhanced or Extended Manufacturer's WarrantiesAn enhanced or extended manufacturer's warranty offers the most comprehensive protection, covering contractor workmanship plus expanded roofing material coverage. Ask your roofing contractor if they provide enhanced warranty options backed by the roofing manufacturer.Usually, enhanced warranties are available at an additional cost, and they often require you to install shingles and accessories from the same manufacturer. These components can include leak barriers, underlayment, hip and ridge cap shingles, and soffit and ridge vents. Typically, an authorized roofing contractor enrolled in the manufacturer's certified contractor program must install the products.Extended manufacturer's warranties usually last longer than standard ones. For example, the GAF Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty provides a 50-year non-prorated period against manufacturing defects (versus the 10 years the standard warranty offers). It also gives you up to 30 years of coverage against the roofing contractor's misapplication of the GAF products and covered flashings (installed at valleys, dormers, chimneys, and plumbing vents to provide added protection from water penetration). This holds true even if the roofing contractor is no longer in business. The Golden Pled ge® also provides coverage for tear-off and disposal to repair your roof in the event of a covered claim.GAF also offers the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty and the 25-Year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty, which provide comprehensive coverage.Understanding Roof Warranty Exclusions and RequirementsEven with an extended roof warranty, not every situation that can damage your roof system is covered. For example, a heavy snowfall, hailstorm, lightning strikes, or severe wind can all result in damage that your warranty might not include.Ask your roofing contractor which situations are typically excluded from manufacturer warranties. Also, ask about coverage for proper roof ventilation.When considering roof warranties, it's crucial to understand their terms and conditions. Daniel McLaughlin, External Learning & Development Manager at GAF, cautions, "For homeowners, the initial risk of limited warranties is not understanding them and/or the verbiage that comes with them." He emphasizes the importance of knowing the difference between specific terms, such as "labor vs. workmanship" and "non-prorated vs. prorated," and understanding what kind of warranty homeowners can receive when the job is complete.To be eligible for an enhanced manufacturer's warranty, you'll likely need to hire a manufacturer-certified contractor. For example, to be eligible for the GAF Golden Pledge® warranty, you must hire a GAF Master Elite® Contractor to install your new roofing system.Registering and Maintaining Your Roof WarrantyCheck the roofing manufacturer's instructions on how to register your warranty. Even if a warranty is automatically included with your roof purchase, you or your contractor must activate it within a specific period once the roof system is installed, depending on which warranty you select.You should receive confirmation from the manufacturer that your roofing contractor registered your enhanced warranty. For example, if you purchased a GAF Golden Pledge® warranty, you'll receive a copy in the mail within 60 days after the job is complete. If not, contact GAF about your warranty status.Also, you can void your warranty if you don't properly maintain your roof. So, schedule regular roof inspections and cleanings—usually every two years—to address potential problems early. Use the contractor that installed your roof when you book maintenance service; most warranties don't allow you to outsource work or do it yourself.Finally, save your proof of purchase, including your contract with your roofing company and any receipts or invoices from your roofing supply store. These documents may be necessary if you need to file a warranty claim.Finalizing Your Warranty PlanBefore starting a new roofing project, do your research and speak to your roofing contractor about available warranties. Once you understand the different types of coverage standard, contractor, or enhanced warranties provide, it's easy to see how valuable they are. This GAF Limited Warranty Comparison Guide also outlines each roof warranty's requirements and coverage.Ready to move forward with a roof repair or replacement? Find a GAF-certified roofing contractor* near you to discuss your specific roofing needs and guide you through the process.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

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