Protect Your Roof From Extreme Weather

July 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Roofing and Extreme Weather

Is your roofing ready for extreme weather? With tornadoes, fires, storms, and floods, extreme weather has been making trouble for homeowners all over the United States this year. Here at MidAtlantic Contracting in Northern Virginia, we want to make sure the roofing on our houses is ready in case extreme weather hits Northern Virginia. This is the first in a series of articles on extreme weather and roofing. The following article will discuss how to safeguard your roof from the destructive force of a tornado. In the upcoming months, check back for more articles on roofing and extreme weather.

Tornadoes: Avoid a Roofing Disaster

Tornadoes are one of the strongest and most destructive forces of nature. With 10 tornadoes reported in Virginia in 2011 and 17 in Maryland, the MidAtlantic area is not immune. Tornadoes can cause major roofing destruction to any homes in their path, and roofing failures are one of the most common results of a tornado. However, by having a quality roof installed correctly and to code, many homes can avoid the most devastating roofing problems. If your home is directly hit by a tornado, missing roofing shingles and siding is considered minimal damage. You are trying to avoid your roof entirely ripping off of your house.

In 2002, parts of Maryland experienced a destructive tornado. After the tornado, the National Association of Home Builders Research Center (NAHB) conducted some testing and research on the destruction of homes and made specific recommendations regarding roof construction and proper installation.


NAHB found that roofing contractors who follow roofing code explicitly when they install a roof will greatly improve a home’s chances of surviving a tornado. For instance, NAHB found that just adding a few extra nails to roof coverings, per code regulations, made significant difference for homes on the edge of the tornado’s path. Contractors needed to use 8d nails at a minimum, and space the nails at 6 inch intervals. At MidAtlantic Contracting, our professional roofers are licensed and trained to ensure that our clients get the best possible quality of roof installation, including following and exceeding all code regulations.

NAHB also found that tie-down straps helped to hold down roofing assemblies during a tornado. Roofing ties should be made of steel and are used to connect the roof trusses to the wall studs. Expert roofers like the ones at MidAtlantic Contracting know that the tie-down strap should be nailed to both top plates, not just the top one.

Regular roof maintenance will also help your roof survive a tornado or other severe storm. Roofing maintenance includes regularly cleaning gutters, inspecting your roof for damage or loose shingles, and keeping debris off the roof. Contact MidAtlantic Contracting for a competitive maintenance plan so that you never need to go up on your roof again.

Homeowners can greatly reduce the chances of complete roofing failure during a tornado or other big storm by following the tips listed above, and by hiring a roofing contractor who will get the job done right, the first time. At MidAtlantic Contracting, we have been installing roofs in the Fairfax, Springfield, Annandale, Woodbridge, and Manassas, VA areas since 1999. Please contact us at 703-912-1428 for more information on installing or repairing your roof.

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MidAtlantic Contracting Inc. is a full service Northern Virginia home improvement/remodeling, deck/fence, and roofing contractor - private & commercial. Family-owned & Class A licensed with over 30 years experience serving Northern Virginia.