High-Wind Asphalt Roofing
For a long-lasting roof on the coast, be meticulous, use wind-rated shingles, and keep plenty of peel-and-stick tape on hand
by Tom O'Brien
(Photo by Vince Lupo)
Veteran roofers often urge their apprentices to "think like a raindrop" when installing roof membranes and flashings. In most places, this means understanding that water obeys the law of gravity. But in a coastal environment, that raindrop is likely to behave like a speeding bullet when it's carried on a gusting wind. The very best of roofs have little defense from a direct assault by a hurricane, and wind-driven rain isn't the only hazard. On sunny days, intense ultra-violet light wreaks havoc on roof coverings. For many coastal roofers, protection against these elements lies in a two-pronged strategy: Install the most durable roofing materials possible, but back them up with secondary barriers to help prevent water from pouring into the house if the big one strikes.
FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE
No roof covering will offer much protection if the underlying sheathing is blown off. In high-wind zones, the sheathing material should be plywood or a premium grade of OSB, such as AdvanTech (Huber Engineered Woods; www.huberwood.com ). Half-inch panels are acceptable for 16-inch o.c. rafters, but 5/8-inch panels should be used to span 24-inch o.c. trusses.
The edges of a roof — eaves, rakes, and ridges — are the most susceptible to wind damage.
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