In Florida, tropical storms occur nearly every month, constantly bringing on heavy rains that damage not just the shingles but the roofing system as well. Often times, Tampa homeowners bewailed to their roofers, “Rain damaged my Tampa Roof !
However, there have been instances when after a thorough roof inspection, homeowners were dismayed to find out that years of year-round storms have resulted to greater damages. Water infiltration and moisture penetration had already compromised the integrity of their home’s roof system.
Understanding the Concept of a Roof System
Homeowners new to Florida came to realize that roofing is more than just a matter of having their house covered with shingles or tiles, or even metal. The concept of a roof system encompasses all components, materials, structural features, moisture barriers, insulation and ventilations that are properly assembled as protection against rain, heat and other weather elements like high winds, snow and hail stones. Moreover, Florida’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes the region a magnet for cyclones and hurricanes.
That is why Florida homes have to have a roof system that can provide proper year-round shelter and protection against different types of weather and climate conditions, especially during hurricane seasons.
Roof System Designs
The design of a roof system takes into account the amount of rainfall and degree of humidity occurring in a particular area in Florida. This is important when deciding if a roof will be steep, which allows water to continuously flow to the ground; or to have a moderate slope in case the area is also prone to hurricanes.
It’s also important to avoid complexity of design in a roof system, such as having fewer openings to prevent penetration and to ensure better performance against harsh weather elements. Simple rooflines allow for easier and less costly maintenance when needing repairs or a replacement. As much as possible, a Florida roof system must avoid complex roof designs that include components like skylights, dormers and other openings that can lead to plumbing or ventilation penetrations.
Basically, the structural roof elements include bracing, fasteners or sheathing as protection against high velocity winds, especially now that Category 5 hurricanes have become common in Florida. Rafters or trusses are also important installations, since they add protection against flying or falling debris brought on by high-speed winds.
There is also the matter of adding roofing underlayment that is affixed underneath the primary roofing cover (shingles, tiles or metal). Roofing underlayment technology is an essential part of the roof system as its function is to shed water that seeps through the primary roof cover.
An effective roof system provides complete protection, which is why hiring a certified roof specialist is important. A simple oversight can negatively impact a roof system’s performance and ability to endure harsh weather and climate conditions. Moreover, any sign of slight damage must be immediately addressed to prevent water infiltration and moisture penetration from affecting the different components of a roof system.