Hurricane-Proof Your Roof: 3 Upgrades That Actually Work

 

Texas storms don’t play nice—but your roof can. If you’re tired of worrying about wind, rain, and debris every hurricane season, these proven upgrades will fortify your home. No fluff, just science-backed solutions that work.


1. Reinforce Your Roof Decking

Your roof’s first line of defense isn’t shingles—it’s the decking beneath them. Weak decking = catastrophic failure in high winds.

  • Use thicker plywood (5/8” or ¾”) – Standard ½” won’t cut it.

  • Seal seams with adhesive – Prevents uplift when wind gets underneath.

  • Hurricane clips/straps – Metal connectors anchor the roof to walls, reducing tear-off risk.

Real Impact: Homes with reinforced decking survive 2x longer in Category 3+ storms.


2. Upgrade to Impact-Resistant Shingles

Not all shingles are equal. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are tested to withstand hail and flying debris.

  • Look for UL 2218 or FM 4473 ratings – These meet strict hurricane standards.

  • Asphalt vs. Metal? – Metal roofs excel in wind resistance (up to 140 mph), but high-quality asphalt shingles (130+ mph rating) are more affordable.

  • Proper installation is key – Even the best shingles fail if nailed incorrectly.

Pro Tip: Some insurers offer discounts for impact-resistant roofs—ask!


3. Install a High-Wind Rated Underlayment

The hidden layer between decking and shingles is your secret weapon.

  • Synthetic underlayment – Resists tearing better than felt paper.

  • Self-adhering membranes – Waterproofs critical areas (edges, valleys).

  • Full roof coverage – Some builders skip this to save costs—don’t let yours.

Why It Matters: A compromised underlayment leads to leaks long before shingles fail.


Bonus: Don’t Forget the Details

Small oversights cause big problems:

  • Seal roof penetrations (vents, chimneys) with high-grade flashing.

  • Trim overhanging trees – Falling branches puncture even strong roofs.

  • Clean gutters – Clogged drains cause water backup and rot.


Is Your Roof Hurricane-Ready?

Texas storms won’t wait. If your roof is over 10 years old or has past damage, act now.

Phone : 713-281-2886 | Mail : info@hartroofingtx.com

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