What is it that allows a roof to put up with a major storm and not be found strewn about the neighborhood? On the Gulf Coast one has to ask what qualifies as “hurricane-resistant”. And is your home prepared for the next big event?

At Guy Brothers Roofing & Siding we are fielding such questions from all sides. We have been in business on the Gulf Coast since 1970, a family concern through and through, so we can tell you what makes a roof endure hard weather. Should you want to discuss your roof with us, our number is (850) 783-2062.

But first let’s get down to some of the more entertaining side of things. There is more to hurricane-resistant roofing than most would think and a fact or two may put the roof over your head in a new light.

Wind Doesn’t Push a Roof Off, It Lifts It

You would think hurricane winds come at a house and just knock everything loose. But the truth is high winds will lift a roof, much like the air does to an airplane wing. When wind is rushing over your shingles and decking it exerts an upward pull. Hence the importance of good sealing and fastening; a roof designed to withstand lift is one that remains where it is supposed to.

The FORTIFIED Standard Changes Things

A lot of homeowners have not come across this. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety have a program, FORTIFIED, to see homes through hail, high winds and hurricanes. As a company certified by the FORTIFIED Roof program, we at Guy Brothers Roofing & Siding know how to put a roof to that standard.

A FORTIFIED roof is no ordinary affair. You will find:

• Decking that is sealed for an extra measure of protection should the shingles go
• Fastening of a higher order to keep the decking to the frame in any wind
• Ring-shank nails in place of the smooth kind
• Edges and flashing put in right, the usual starting point for wind damage
• Details left out of a typical job are not with us

It is a worthwhile investment for the peace of mind it affords when there is a storm in the Gulf.

Your Roof’s Edge Is Where It Is Vulnerable

A storm will make short work of a weak spot and the edge is often the target. Wind can get under there and turn back shingles as if they were a can lid. With hurricane-resistant roofing the perimeter is given due care so the system is secure.

Then There Is the Warranty

For those of a practical bent, a warranty is telling. A roof is only as good as its installation. We stand behind our work with a 10-year workmanship warranty because that is where a roof gains or forfeits its strength, good materials or not.

Gulf Coast Roofing Is a World of Its Own

You do not see the same thing here as in some dry inland state. Between the salt air and the heat and the rain and hurricane season, a roof in this part of the country has to be able to take it. In Mobile, Bay Minette and Fairhope in Alabama, and Pensacola, the Okaloosa and Walton area and Punta Gorda in Florida we build them to do just that.

We have had the better part of half a century to figure out what works. Too many roofs around here were not made with true storm resistance in mind, which becomes apparent at inopportune moments.

Let’s Talk About Your Roof

There is value in knowing these facts but it is a different matter to have a solid roof for your family. We can put you at ease with some free estimates and answers if you are considering a FORTIFIED roof or have doubts about your present one.

Guy Brothers Roofing & Siding has been the protector of choice for Gulf Coast homes and businesses since 1970. Call (850) 783-2062 and we will talk of making sure your roof is strong for the next time a storm comes calling.