Tornado season in the Shelbyville, IN area can be stressful. One thing to pay close attention to is the condition of your roof. If your roof is old and damaged and needs repair or replacement, it will be more susceptible to excessive damage during a tornado or strong storm. If you take appropriate steps to schedule routine maintenance and replace your roof when needed, you can protect the overall structure and integrity of your home for years to come.
Tornado-Resistant Roofing
You have several options when it comes to choosing a roofing material. These options provide ample protection against tornadoes and inclement weather while helping you adhere to your budget and aesthetic requirements.
Metal Panels
Typically made from steel, aluminum, or copper, metal roofs can handle the incredibly strong winds and heavy rainfall that often accompany severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Metal roofs have been shown to withstand wind gusts of 140 miles per hour. Steel roofs are also quite hard and feature a class 4 impact resistance rating. This means the roof panels can withstand two direct hits from a 2-inch steel ball without experiencing any signs of cracking or damage. Metal roofs can handle direct hail and the impact of debris flying around during a storm.
Of course, the installation process of a metal roof is critical. Because of the weight of these roofs, the professionals performing the installation must secure each panel appropriately. Otherwise, a tornado’s strong winds can get underneath the panels and rip them off in the middle of a storm. When installed correctly, however, a metal roof can last from 40 to 70 years.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common material used in North American roof construction. Because of their affordability and ease of maintenance, they are a practical option, increasing curb appeal while providing ample protection for your home’s structure. It takes decades for asphalt shingles to break down and require replacement. The first signs to watch out for include curling around the edges of your shingles or granules starting to come off and flow down your gutters.
Asphalt shingles are glued or nailed down. If you’re located in an area susceptible to tornadoes, you’ll want to ask for your asphalt roof to be installed using nails. This reduces the risk of shingles blowing off during a storm. After a storm occurs, schedule a roof inspection with a roofing professional to inspect your roof for signs of damage. While a little more maintenance is involved with asphalt shingles, this roofing option can last 20 to 30 years.
You can customize the look of your home thanks to a large selection of colors and styles of asphalt shingles. Just make sure that when you have a new asphalt roof installed, you have the old one removed. You will also have a new underlayment installed before the shingles go on, which adds to the ability of your roof to keep out moisture, bugs, and more.
Concrete Tiles
Creating concrete roofing tiles involves using sand, cement, and water, formed together using heat and high pressure. The result is an extremely strong product that can withstand winds as strong as 180 miles per hour. This is one of the best options available for homes and structures in the path of tornadoes. Concrete tiles are commonly constructed in shapes designed to allow moisture to run easily off a roof. You don’t want water to pool on your roof. This can lead to excessive water damage.
Installing a concrete roof can be expensive because of the product’s weight. However, this shingle option can last up to 60 years or more. Concrete roofing materials require very little maintenance and can withstand some of the most serious storms.
If you are installing concrete shingles, make sure to remove the previous roof. Installing concrete shingles over an asphalt roof can decrease the lifespan of your new roof by as much as 15 to 20 years. You’ll also need to install a new underlayment specifically made for this type of roof. A special concrete adhesive will bond each shingle to your home, resulting in a strong and durable final product.
If you live in the Shelbyville area and would like to learn more about your options for a new roof, reach out to our team at Nationwide Contracting, LLC. We can also help with emergency roof repairs, roof maintenance, and gutter installation and will be happy to offer an estimate. Contact Nationwide Contracting, LLC to schedule an appointment today.
