Surface preparation

First things first: preparation is the foundation of a hurricane-resistant roof. Cutting corners here compromises the entire system.

Our thorough preparation process includes:

• Complete removal of the old roof down to the decking
• Full debris disposal from your property
• Special debris chute systems for buildings over 2 stories
• Complete re-nailing of the entire decking to meet or exceed current code requirements
• Replacement of up to 10% of damaged plywood or tongue and groove (T&G) decking

Pro tip: A solid, properly secured decking creates the foundation for your entire roof system. If we discover more than 10% of the decking is damaged, additional replacement work will be necessary. This is why thorough inspection and repair at this stage is crucial—it prevents bigger problems later.

Regular base system

For most standard installations, we implement this high-performance base system:

• Elastoflex SBS premium self-adhesive membrane for the entire roof perimeter
• This specialized material enables correct installation of the critical 3×3 drip edge
• Poly IR-XE self-adhesive underlayment from Polyglass installed directly onto the decking as a water barrier, specially formulated for tropical climates

Pro tip: The correct installation sequence and overlap of these layers is fundamental for hurricane protection. The perimeter areas receive special attention because they typically experience the highest wind uplift pressures during storms.

Special system with T&G

We implement this enhanced system in two specific scenarios:

• When the home has Tongue and Groove decking
• When required by specific city building codes

This specialized system includes:

• Base: Double layer of #30 ply membrane for enhanced water protection
• Special tin caps used to secure the membrane for maximum wind resistance
• Perimeter: Drip edge installed after the #30 underlayment for optimal water diversion

Pro tip: This system provides extra protection for more structurally demanding buildings and historical homes with T&G construction. The double layer creates redundancy that can be crucial during extended periods of driving rain.

Final layer

For both systems, we complete the protection with premium materials:

• Installation of Timberline HDZ® architectural shingles or 3-Tab shingles depending on home style and budget
• Implementation of a specific hurricane-resistant nailing pattern that exceeds standard requirements
• Precise installation with proper overlap to guarantee maximum durability and weather resistance

Pro tip: Even the highest quality shingles will fail prematurely if not installed correctly. Our specialized nailing pattern and installation technique are just as important as the quality of the materials we use.

Warranty and maintenance

Our professional installation includes comprehensive protection:

• 12-year workmanship warranty on all installations
• Full coverage under normal conditions of use and wear
• Warranty excludes damage from natural disasters, fire, or termites

Pro tip: While our system is designed to maximize hurricane resistance, regular maintenance inspections can significantly extend the lifespan of your roof and identify potential issues before they become major problems. We recommend a professional inspection at least once a year and after any major storm.

Frequently Asked Questions about hurricane-resistant roofing

How does this system compare to standard roofing installations?

Standard installations often skip critical steps like complete re-nailing of the decking and using specialized self-adhesive membranes. Our hurricane-resistant system uses higher-grade materials with more secure fastening methods and pays special attention to vulnerable areas like edges and corners where wind damage typically begins. The difference might not be visible once completed, but becomes evident during severe weather events.

What wind speeds can this roofing system withstand?

When properly installed, our complete system is designed to withstand sustained winds of up to 130 mph, with higher gusts. However, it’s important to understand that a roof’s wind resistance depends on multiple factors including the home’s location, surrounding terrain, roof shape, and maintenance condition. During category 4-5 hurricanes, additional factors beyond the roof itself come into play.

Is this system more expensive than standard roofing?

While our hurricane-resistant system typically costs 15-25% more than basic installations, the investment provides significant value through superior protection, longevity, and potentially lower insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with documented hurricane-resistant roofing systems, which can offset the additional cost over time.

How long does installation take compared to standard roofing?

Our complete hurricane-resistant system usually takes 1-3 days longer than standard installation, depending on your home’s size and roof complexity. This additional time reflects the extra steps and attention to detail required for proper installation of all protective layers. The preparation phase particularly takes longer, as we ensure the decking is thoroughly inspected and properly secured.

Can I upgrade my existing roof to this system without a complete replacement?

Unfortunately, achieving the full benefits of our hurricane-resistant system requires a complete roof replacement starting with the decking. This ensures all components work together as designed. However, if your roof is relatively new, we can perform an inspection to identify potential weak points and implement targeted reinforcements that improve hurricane resistance, though this wouldn’t provide the complete protection of our full system.

Protection through professional installation

This is the complete system we implement in every shingle installation at Roofing Nation. We believe that quality in every layer makes the difference between a roof that fails during the first major storm and one that protects your home season after season.

The right materials, combined with proper installation techniques, create a roofing system specifically engineered to withstand the unique challenges of hurricane-prone regions. When it comes to protecting your home and family from severe weather, these details matter.

Do you have questions about any specific material or process in our hurricane-resistant roofing system? Contact our team for a personalized assessment of your home’s roofing needs and discover how our professional system can provide peace of mind during storm season.