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IBHS Issues Re-Roofing Guidance for Shingle Roofs in Hurricane-Prone Areas
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has released “Roofing the Right Way,” a concise publication that provides homeowners with shingle roofs a list of steps to build a stronger shingle roof that will better resist hurricanes.
“As people recover, repair and rebuild following Hurricane Irene, now is the time to take the steps to strengthen their roofs,” said Julie Rochman, president and CEO of IBHS. “Chances are Hurricane Irene won't be the only hurricane to threaten the U.S. mainland between now and the end of hurricane season this year, so doing things right – whether because of storm damage or because of the roof’s age – is essential.
“Homeowners from Texas to Maine continue to face a very real risk of hurricane damage as we continue moving through the heart of Hurricane Season 2011 and more tropical weather systems form,” Rochman added. “Roofing the Right Way is just one of a number of free IBHS resources available that can help property owners prepare for, and recover from, hurricanes.”
“Roofing the Right Way” lays out nine steps to a stronger, more hurricane-resistant roof:
Remove the old roof cover
Inspect for damage
Re-nail the roof deck
Anchor gable end outlookers
Seal the roof deck against water intrusion (video)
Install flashing
Properly apply a building code approved roof cover
Properly install high-wind rated vents
Replace or retrofit vulnerable soffits
“The roof is a home’s first line of defense against the elements, but is it also one of the most vulnerable points on a home,” said Dr. Tim Reinhold, senior vice president of research and chief engineer of IBHS. “Each step in this guide is critical to the construction of a strong, well-built roof and reducing its vulnerability to damage from high winds and wind-driven rain, both of which are very common during a hurricane.”
To arrange an interview with IBHS, contact Joseph King at 813-675-1045/813-442-2845, jking@ibhs.org or via direct message on Twitter @jsalking.
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