The wind is perhaps the biggest threat to your roof. If your roofing system lacks adequate wind uplift resistance, it might not be able to handle the loads acting on it and fail prematurely. According to DryTech Roofing, these are the most important factors that make your roof wind-resistant:
Location
Experienced roofing contractors would think about your property’s location to determine the wind speed it has to deal with, and therefore, the wind loads. Some areas are windier than others because of geography, but note that human development has constantly changed the surface roughness of a particular region.
Apart from the location, professional roofers would consider the relative effects of your property’s immediate surroundings to determine its exposure to the wind. Homes and buildings in highly urbanized cities require a different roof design from those in open terrain and flat, unobstructed areas.
Local Building Code
Using reliable sources, the government sets standards in place to help prevent wind damage, which every property owner should follow for their own safety. Local building codes vary, but they always set minimum requirements. Reputable roofing contractors would recommend taking the conservative approach in roof design to withstand higher wind loads than expected for greater resistance.
Building Dimensionality
The size of your property matters too. Its height, in particular, determines what wind speed it will be exposed to. In addition, the perimeter and corner regions of your roof tend to get more wind loads based on the overall dimensions of your property.
Type
There are two types of building configurations: enclosed and partially enclosed. Conventional wisdom tells you that the latter is more subject to internal pressurization because of its multiple doors and windows. Architecturally savvy roofing contractors would suggest designing the roof in accordance with the requirements of the partially-enclosed type. This way, your roof would be able to resist greater wind loads when there’s a breach in your property’s envelope.
Technical talk aside, the best way to increase your roof’s wind resistance is to choose quality products, like GAF, and hire a specialist roofer. As a Master Elite® roofing contractor, we guarantee excellent work and give you access to GAF’s strongest warranties. Call us at (240) 491-5600 today to talk about your roofing project in Maryland and get a FREE estimate.