Did you know that the shape of your roof has a lot to do with how well it stands up against high winds, including hurricane-force winds? Hipped-roof systems are more likely to stay put in a hurricane than gabled-roof systems. Why? Unlike gabled roofs, a hipped roof slopes upward from all sides of the building. The aerodynamic properties and construction techniques inherent in hipped roofs help them perform better in windstorms than gabled roofs. A gabled roof has two slopes that come together to form a ridge or a peak at the top, so each end looks like the letter “A.” Homes with gabled roofs are more likely to suffer greater damage from high winds— including the collapse of the end wall if it is not braced properly during construction. To learn more about roof types and roof systems visit FLASH and look for the Roof tab.
Credit: Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. (FLASH)
