Now that the holidays — and hurricane season — are behind us, it's time to settle in for the remainder of winter.
As the chill begins to fade and spring approaches, many homeowners …
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Now that the holidays — and hurricane season — are behind us, it's time to settle in for the remainder of winter.
As the chill begins to fade and spring approaches, many homeowners start thinking about cleaning, gardening and tackling home improvement projects. While these tasks are important, there's one critical item that should also be on your spring home and garden checklist: preparation for next storm season.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) website, following Hurricane Ivan in 2004, private insurers stopped writing wind insurance policies due to repetitive loss claims. This made it much more difficult and expensive for residents to obtain wind insurance, forcing many to drop their coverage altogether.
One increasingly popular solution is upgrading to a FORTIFIED roof — an advanced roofing system designed to withstand the fierce conditions of severe weather.
FEMA's website states: "In 1995, the 'FORTIFIED' program was developed by the Insurance Institute for Building & Home Safety (IBHS). Roofs designed or retrofitted to meet the FORTIFIED Roof level of the program are designed to withstand at least 130 mph winds and are now required by 15 local zoning boards in Alabama for new or reconstructed homes. The FORTIFIED Roof requirements include criteria such as the inclusion of impact-resistant shingles and wind-driven rain-resistant attic vents; the roof deck must be attached using properly embedded ring-shank nails; seams between roof deck panels must be sealed before shingles are installed; and roof eaves and soffits must be designed and built to reduce wind uplift loads."
Beau Burdick, a roofing consultant for Apex Roofing and Restoration, has years of experience with FORTIFIED roofs and is a certified roofer with customers in the Baldwin County area.
A FORTIFIED roof goes beyond typical building codes to meet stringent criteria aimed at ensuring a home's durability during hurricanes. According to Burdick, the FORTIFIED standard offers several key benefits for coastal homeowners, including increased protection against hurricane-force winds, potential savings on insurance premiums and a boost in property resale value.
FORTIFIED roofs are "highly effective," Burdick said. "It minimizes the chances of water intrusion during heavy rain and high wind speed."
One of the critical features that make FORTIFIED roofs so resilient is the use of ring-shank nails Burdick said. Unlike regular smooth nails, these nails are installed in a more extensive pattern to ensure the roof stays secure during high winds. This nailing arrangement, combined with high-quality materials, helps prevent shingles from being torn off and reduces the chance of water entering the home.
Upgrading an existing roof to meet FORTIFIED standards involves a few important steps. Homeowners must hire a roofer certified and trained in FORTIFIED construction. After the roof is installed, a third-party assessor ensures the work meets the required standards. Once this assessment is complete, the homeowner will receive their FORTIFIED Roof certificate from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), certifying the home as hurricane-ready.
The cost of upgrading to a FORTIFIED roof can vary depending on the size of the home and the extent of the required work. However, the investment is often well worth it.
"The cost of upgrading to FORTIFIED varies depending on each roofing company and can also be determined by the size of your roof and the extent of the necessary upgrades," Burdick said. "The cost of strengthening your roof is well worth it, as many homeowners save money on insurance premiums, experience less damage from high winds and hurricanes and have their home's resale value increase."
According to Burdick, insurance savings are one of the benefits of a FORTIFIED roof. Most coastal insurance providers offer discounts to homeowners with FORTIFIED-certified roofs, though savings can vary depending on the policy. Burdick advises homeowners to consult with their insurance providers to determine the specific discounts available to them.
In addition to the potential insurance benefits, Alabama homeowners can take advantage of state-sponsored programs like the Strengthen Alabama Homes program, which offers grants of up to $10,000 for upgrading homes to FORTIFIED standards Burdick said. This program is open to any homeowner whose primary residence is in Alabama.
FORTIFIED roofs are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds, and their effectiveness has been tested in real-world situations.
"Following Hurricane Sally, many homes in the area suffered significant damage, and we had numerous calls seeking our services; however, we found that relatively few of those calls came from homeowners who had their roofs previously FORTIFIED certified," he said.
Burdick also noted that though "FORTIFIED roof standards improve the roof system against strong winds, their effect on the general life span of the roof covering material depends on the grade of the shingles used."
As the awareness of FORTIFIED standards grows, more and more homes are adopting these robust roofing systems. Over 40,000 homes in Alabama alone have been FORTIFIED-certified, and the trend is expected to continue.
"Fortification has been a growing standard among the state but especially in our coastal area" Burdick said, "and it is certainly making headway becoming the norm amongst homes statewide if not nationwide."
For homeowners considering upgrading their roofs, Burdick advises thorough research.
"When it comes to selecting a reliable FORTIFIED roofer and learning how to fortify your home, do your research," Burdick advised. "IBHS's Fortified Home website can provide valuable information on what to know and who to hire as your roofer."
PROTECTING COASTAL HOMES: BEYOND FORTIFIED ROOFS
There will always be another hurricane season in coastal Alabama, experts emphasize the importance of not just FORTIFIED roofs but a comprehensive approach to storm-proofing homes.
Jessica Waters with Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) told Gulf Coast Media "FORTIFIED roofs are an excellent starting point. This designation ensures that homes meet rigorous standards to withstand high winds and other storm-related stresses."
In addition to FORTIFIED roofs, Waters said Baldwin County EMA recommends the following measures for storm preparedness for homeowners.
Strengthen windows and doors: Windows and doors are among the most vulnerable points during a hurricane. Consider installing impact-resistant windows or storm shutters to shield against debris and high winds. Reinforce doors with heavy-duty hardware, such as a deadbolt at least one inch long and a minimum of three hinges.
Secure walls and foundations: Loose siding and foundation cracks can become gateways for water intrusion and structural damage during a storm. Conduct regular inspections, secure loose siding, and repair cracks. Adding hurricane straps or clips can also strengthen connections between the roof, walls and foundation, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure.
Protect garage doors: Garage doors are especially prone to failing under the pressure of hurricane-force winds, which can lead to significant structural damage. Reinforce them with bracing kits or upgrade to wind-rated doors designed to withstand extreme conditions.
Maintain the landscape: Flying debris poses a serious hazard during hurricanes. Trim trees and shrubs, and secure outdoor items such as furniture and grills to minimize the risk of projectiles causing damage.
Seal openings and vents: Unchecked openings around pipes, cables and vents can allow water to seep into your home during heavy rain. Inspect and seal these areas to prevent costly interior damage.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Homeowners seeking to take extra steps toward hurricane preparedness can access tools and information through FEMA, including the Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting. This guide provides strategies for assessing risks and implementing protective measures, according to Jessica Waters of the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency.
By combining these measures with a FORTIFIED roof, Baldwin County residents can significantly reduce the risk of hurricane-related damage. For more information, visit FEMA's website at www.fema.gov or contact the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency.
Additional tips can be found in Stay Alert, Baldwin, a magazine published by Gulf Coast Media in partnership with Baldwin County EMA. Go to www.gulfcoastmedia.com/magazines to find an e-edition of Stay Alert, or pick a copy up at our office, 901 N. McKinzie St., in Foley.
To learn more about FORTIFIED roofs, visit www.apexroofs.com or the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) at www.ibhs.org.