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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.

Harsh weather can damage your home, leading to expensive repairs or even making it unlivable in the worst cases. While you can't control the weather, you can take steps to try and minimize damage—like installing a durable roof.If you live in an area prone to harsh weather, metal roofing materials can help protect your home from elements like hail, rain, snow, and wind. Here's what you need to know about metal roofs and the protection they offer.Wind and Impact ResistanceMetal roofing shingles can help resist high winds due to their interlocking system, which helps provide wind uplift resistance. Interlocked panels help keep the materials in place and reduce the areas where winds can cause uplift, like the eaves and edges. Metal's smooth surface also lets air flow easily over it.The GAF TimberSteel™ Premium Metal Roofing System passes the ASTM D3161, Class F test method, wind resistance for the ASTM D3161, the highest possible category for wind resistance of steep slope roof coverings. This means it has been tested to handle 110 mph wind speeds under the Standard Test Method for Wind Resistance of Steep Slope Roofing Products (Fan-Induced Method)*.GAF TimberSteel™ metal field shingles are classified to UL2218 Class 4 Impact Resistance, the highest rating available.Moisture ResistanceOffering excellent protection against wind-driven rain, the GAF TimberSteel™ passes the TAS -100 Wind-Driven test* for rain water intrusion.Custom Snow SolutionsWhile rain is one problem, snow can also damage your roof. Snow adds a heavy load to your roofing structure, and moisture can enter your home as it melts if given the opportunity.Metal roofs have a smooth surface that allows snow to slide off which may help prevent ice dams that form when snow melts and refreezes. Custom snow guards are available in the colors of the TimberSteel™ system to complement your roof.UV Radiation ResistanceSunlight can break down roofing materials over time. Metal roofing helps resist the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays which may contribute to its longevity.Consider Metal RoofingWith more areas experiencing extreme weather, homeowners all over the country may benefit from considering metal roofing materials.Does metal roofing sound right for your home? Explore the options GAF offers and sign up to get updates about the availability of GAF TimberSteel™ in your area.*Testing conducted under controlled laboratory conditions.

All homes can benefit from a little tender loving care, no matter the age or location. Making occasional updates to beautify your property can help maintain its character while enhancing your pride and appreciation. In some cases, home improvement projects can even boost the resale value.If you want to upgrade the look of your home and green spaces without getting on the roof or breaking the bank, there's no shortage of options. Here are four DIY ideas for low-maintenance front yard curb appeal.1. A Fresh Coat of PaintPainting is one of the simplest and least costly DIY home projects, requiring only primer, paint, and a brush. In fact, the most complicated part of painting projects is often choosing what to paint and what colors to use. However, this can be one of the highest-impact, low-maintenance front yard curb appeal projects.Painting your shutters, trim, or even just your front door can give your home a quick facelift. A great way to make your home look as cohesive as possible is to stick to its existing colors and undertones. You can achieve this by keeping the trim or shutter colors within the same color family as your roof.For example, if you have a white home with Hunter Green GAF Timberline HDZ® shingles on the roof, consider a similar shade of green for the shutters and trim. Or, if you have a stucco house with a cooler-hued roof, you can paint your shutters a soft gray or light blue for a modest pop of color.If you're feeling adventurous, consider painting your front door a fun color that will catch the eye and welcome your guests. For cooler-toned homes, try a front door in navy, royal, or even sky blue. For warmer-toned homes, you can be extra playful and paint your front door a bright red.When painting, remember to properly prep and prime all surfaces and use exterior paint. If you plan to refresh your shutters, it's best to remove them from the hinges and lay them flat while working.2. Updated LandscapingLandscaping is another fun way to add front yard curb appeal, but it can feel a little more daunting than an afternoon of painting. To start, visit your local nursery and learn about suitable plants for your area. Figure out how much upkeep and irrigation certain shrubs require, when particular flowers bloom, and the amount of sunshine each plant needs. You may want to dot your landscape with bushes that bloom throughout the year, or you may want a simple and calming lawn filled with lush shades of green. Either way, an expert at your local nursery can help.However, if you only have one afternoon to dedicate to your landscape, you can still make an impact. One quick way to upgrade your property's look is to fill terracotta pots with seasonal flowers in your favorite colors. Place them flanking the front door or beside the mailbox. If your home has a lot of windows, plant beautiful, low-maintenance flowers in windowsill boxes. The best part about potted plants is they're transportable, and you can change the blooms with the season or your mood.As you update your landscaping, choose a color scheme and appearance that complements your home's style and design. If you have a more traditional home with brown Weathered Wood GAF Timberline UHDZ® shingles on the roof, for instance, you could create a rustic, English-style garden that's filled with bursts of colorful flowers. If your home is more modern, on the other hand, stick with a simple landscape design that uses a subdued color palette. You want your front yard to feel connected with the rest of your home.Home featuring GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles in Weathered Wood.3. Improved Walkway DesignAnother DIY project that can give your home low-maintenance front yard curb appeal is improving your walkway. Enhancing your yard's hardscaping can make your home feel more cohesive.If your property has existing gravel walkways, consider matching the color to your home. Gray gravel stones complement a cooler-toned home, and ivory/beige stones work well for a warm-toned home. For instance, if your roof is a color similar to Oyster Grey GAF Timberline HDZ® shingles, consider using slate or bluestone; if it's on the warmer side, use brick.If you like the look of paver stones, pick up lightweight options at your local hardware store and use them to create intricate, eye-catching designs.Home featuring GAF Timberline HDZ shingles in Oyster Grey4. Elegant LightingAn impactful DIY tip for jazzing up your home's curb appeal is upgrading your exterior lighting. Soft, warm lighting can add elegance and offer dramatic flair. This complements homes with GAF Timberline® NS shingles that provide a natural shadow effect.Consider adding a sconce by the front door to make your home feel inviting and cozy. Place outdoor solar-powered lights along walkways. You can also add solar lights at the base of trees to uplight them, creating a sophisticated look at night. As added benefits, solar lights require no hard-wiring and don't affect your electricity bill, which makes them a great low-maintenance front yard curb appeal addition.There's No Place Like Your HomeGiving your home upgraded curb appeal through painting, landscaping, hardscaping, and lighting can make a big difference without requiring too much time or money. In addition to giving you a newfound sense of pride, your neighbors may also appreciate the property's updates. Best of all, these exterior DIY projects can potentially increase your home's sale price. It's often easier for buyers to envision themselves in a beautiful, well-maintained home.If you want to take your home's exterior to another level, think about upgrading your roof. A new roof requires less maintenance and can help refine your property's appearance. Explore the GAF Virtual Home Remodeler to envision different ways your home could look, and reach out to a local GAF-certified contractor* to discuss your roofing project.*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.

If you notice missing shingles on your roof, there's no need to panic. Missing shingles aren't an emergency, but you should still act quickly, especially during wet seasons. Your roof is a multilayered system designed to protect your home's structure and finishes from water damage.If you ignore missing shingles, moisture can get into your home, leading to issues such as rot, mold, and costly water damage. Replacing missing shingles quickly can mean the difference between a minor roof repair and a total roof replacement.So, here's how to spot missing shingles and hire a roofer to replace them.How to Spot Missing ShinglesLocating missing shingles, before leaks set in, can save you time, money, and peace of mind. Here are several ways to spot them before they cause bigger issues.Inspect Your Roof from the GroundScope your roof with binoculars for signs of missing shingles. Inspecting your roof from the ground helps prevent shingle damage from walking on the roof and, most importantly, fall-related injuries. Scan your roof from every angle that it's safe to do so, including from streets, sidewalks, and neighbors' yards if you have permission to do so.Check for Shingle ChangesSystematically check each shingle following a horizontal or vertical line. A missing shingle often sticks out as a color change in your shingle pattern. While you're at it, look for shingles that are cracked, curled, or sagging or that aren't aligned with the others. These can all be signs of shingle or roof damage.Review Your Roof for Damage after StormsRoof damage often happens as a result of extreme weather. Once it's safe to be outdoors, visually inspect your roof for damage. You can also survey the ground around your property to spot any shingles that may have blown off.Look Inside Your Home for LeaksCheck inside your home for longer-term signs of missing shingles. Evidence of leaks in your attic or water stains on your interior ceilings or walls can indicate wider-spread water damage in your home. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, have a roofing professional inspect the area (both inside and outside) for damage.Schedule a Professional Roof InspectionThe National Roofing Contractors Association recommends professional-level roof inspections twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. Like routine car maintenance keeps repair costs down, roof inspections can help spot small concerns before they potentially become expensive problems.How to Hire a RooferOnce you spot missing shingles on your roof, the next step is hiring a professional to replace them. Create a list of questions before you call around, so you can find a reliable roofing company that won't cut corners.If you have warranties, you may also want to check whether or not those have any requirements. For example, all GAF roofing shingles and qualifying accessories (the "GAF Products") come with the coverage provided by the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty,** and you don't need to do anything at all to get it.How to Prepare for Roofing RepairsThough every contractor is different, confirm certain details before signing any contracts. Here's how you can ensure you and your contractor are on the same page before work begins:Communicate clearly from the start; this will help prevent frustration and unexpected costs.Before making a deposit, be sure you both agree on the quote and job details.Agree on the job's start date, plus a contingency plan if bad weather forces a rain check. Ask your roofer if they'll install a temporary tarp to prevent water damage in the case of a delay.Read your quote carefully. Confirm approximate labor costs and the color, style, and brand of shingles that will be installed.Ask about anticipated material quantities and estimated roofing material costs (like flashing, roofing nails, etc.).Confirm whether the repair job includes cleanup costs and if the roofer will remove any debris.When to Consider a Roof ReplacementLook at the big picture before replacing missing shingles. Consider your roof's age, any warranties on your roof system, the extent of the roof damage (both internally and externally), and whether the missing shingles are an isolated issue. Multiple missing shingles or frequent repairs could be a sign that you need a new roof.Ready to schedule a professional roof inspection? Contact a GAF-certified roofing contractor* to get started.*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.* *GAF Accessory Products covered under this limited warranty include: GAF Ridge Cap Shingles, GAF Starter Strip Shingles, GAF Leak Barrier Products, GAF Roof Deck Protection Products, and GAF Attic Ventilation Products. For a complete list of qualifying GAF products visit gaf.com/LRS. This limited warranty does not cover low-slope membranes. See gaf.com for a copy of the limited warranties covering those products.

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