Posted by Bealing Roofing No Comments on How to keep your roof wind resistant Roofing in Hanover, PA

Tips to Keep a Roof Wind Resistant

As production methods improve, so do asphalt shingles. Even with improvements, there are still potential issues homeowners should understand. When it comes to shingles, the biggest enemy is weather related events.  Nor’easters, hurricanes, and heavy winds can break and blow shingles off a roof, leaving a house susceptible to leaks and damage.

We can’t control the weather, but we can take action to make asphalt-shingle roofs more wind resistant. Whether your roof has been installed for some time or if you are considering a roof replacement, here are a few things to look for to ensure you have a leg up on the wind.

Properly installed drip edge

Metal drip edges are critical when it comes to helping shingles resist wind uplift along the edges of the roof. Make sure all drip edges around your home are fastened securely to the sheathing of the roof. Where possible, make sure the drip edge is nailed through the sheathing into the roof rafters and trusses. When installing new roofs, don’t skimp on your drip edge. Go with a wider 5-in. to 6-in. product and nail down in a W pattern every 4 inches. This will ensure your drip edge is secure and wind cannot pull it and the shingles on top of it.

Properly fastened starters

Starter strips at the eaves of your roof not only ensure leak free joints but also bond the first row of shingles to your roof. If this starter is not fastened well to the roof sheathing, your first course of shingles will be susceptible to wind damage. For this reason, it’s best to secure your starter with adhesive and nails. For a mess-free option. consider using self-adhering strips.

Nail better 

How and where you nail shingles is critical to the wind resistance of your roof. Make sure the nails are not overdriven causing the shingle to fracture. Underdriven nails are an issue as well as they will hold up the shingle above them, causing the perfect situation for wind to lift the shingle. This also will prevent the shingle from bonding to the one below and potentially the nail could rupture through the shingle over time.

Better nails

Often overlooked, the type, length, and corrosion resistance of the nails used has a huge impact on how well your shingles stay on place. Going with a slightly longer nail costs on average an additional $1 per square foot. This investment is well worth the peace of mind knowing shingles have been properly installed.

Eliminate overhang

Overhang of shingles on your roof’s perimeter causes a natural situation susceptible to wind uplift. Install shingles with no more than ¼-in. overhang or install them flush to eliminate any potential wind issues.

Ensuring your roof is ready for the wind may cost you a little more during the installation. The upfront costs may be higher, but the long-term peace of mind knowing you will not have costly roof repairs down the road is worth the initial expense. The next time you are considering a full or partial roof replacement, call Bealing Roofing and Exteriors about getting a wind-resistant roof— it’s an investment worth making.