Dauphin Island Hurricane Resistant Roofing

DAUPHIN ISLAND, AL - Alabama's Dauphin Island has repeatedly experienced roofing failures during past hurricanes. Roof failures usually lead to further interior damage from subsequent rainfall.

After Dauphin Island was incorporated in 1989, the town adopted recommendations for hurricane resistant roof construction. For the installation of asphalt/composite roofs, six nails per shingle are required, and the first two courses of shingles must be cemented to the roof underlayment. Ridges and valleys must also be cemented to the underlayment. The use of metal roofs is encouraged where fasteners are covered by the seam and therefore not exposed to the environment.

According to the local building officials, Hurricane Georges (1998) caused only minimal damage to asphalt/composite shingle roofing as a result of the implementation of these measures. This is a substantial benefit, because the cost of replacing a roof is approximately $3000 to $4000. Metal roofs appeared to have sustained little damage. However, since they are relatively new, the success of metal roofs must be further evaluated and based on longer exposure to corrosive conditions.

Standard Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program makes Federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners in participating communities.

Tags:
Last updated