Buildings, including private residences, follow codes to ensure the safety of their occupants as well as their surroundings. If a building is able to withstand extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, and is still habitable for at least a short time without the benefit of power, it is said to be resilient.
This is why a reputable roofing contractor has to ensure the stability of a structure’s roof even in the midst of a storm. A roof should be able to resist wind, impact, and animal penetration. It should also have the right color that increases the house’s energy efficiency. These are the factors that lead to roofing resilience.
A roof should follow strict building codes wherever it is built. Examples include wind resistance of up to 10 or 20 mph. If a roof is rated for such high wind speeds, it is better at resisting blow-offs than roofs that are rated for lower wind speeds.
A roof should have edge metal details that are thicker, with more fasteners. For instance, a roof with 22-gauge metal is stronger than one with 24-gauge. Fasteners installed 8 inches instead of 12 inches apart can also provide better protection against the wind.
Even a sturdy roof will need roof repair now and then over the course of its lifetime. However, if it’s built to resist impact from hail, debris or installed equipment, it will need less frequent maintenance and will also last longer.
Roofers typically recommend applying a tough membrane to add protection against debris impact. Impact-resistant shingles are also available from reputable manufacturers. As for equipment such as outdoor HVAC units, additional tethers and fasteners should prevent them from being tossed about or torn off.
For hot regions, a roof with a higher R-value can reduce heat transfer into the indoor environment, which will make the building habitable at least for a short time even without air conditioning.
The color of the roof can also help reduce heat. White and other light colors are more reflective than darker roofs.
Additional blown-in insulation, paired with an effective attic ventilation system, will also make a home more comfortable even in hot weather.
A home can also remain habitable without power if there is enough daylighting. Roofs with operable windows or skylights can provide adequate daylight. However, it is important to consider the window or skylight’s impact resistance and energy efficiency (insulated glass unit or IGU) to minimize its role in solar heat gain.
Installing solar panels to a roof will make the building habitable even if the grid is down. A solar panel system can also reduce the home’s dependence on the grid, lowering utility costs.
Roofing resilience is something to think about if you’re planning to build a home or replace your existing roof. Get in touch with us at Northwest Construction to discuss this need. We also install gutters. Call us now at (313) 277-7676 or message us here.