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2024 HURRICANE SEASON ROOF PREP

Written By Owens Corning RoofingDate Published 2024-04-23

Use our guide to help prepare your roof for the 2024 hurricane season with regular inspections, additional support, and specially designed roofing materials.

Is Your Roof Ready for Hurricane Season?

The National Weather Service has designated May 5th through May 11th as Hurricane-Preparedness Week for 2024. However, you should continue to take preventative actions throughout the summer and fall months. 

If you live along the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, or Pacific coastlines, safeguarding your home and outdoor areas for hurricane season should be part of your annual home maintenance routine.  

Find out what you can do to help protect your roof and home during the 2024 hurricane season. 

When is the 2024 Hurricane Season?

June 1st through November 30th is the official Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), although earlier or later storms are possible. The Eastern Pacific season is slightly longer, beginning on May 15th. If you own a home in a high-risk area, you are encouraged to be proactive for the upcoming hurricane season. 

Roofs covered in specialty roofing products — like shingles engineered for high wind resistance — are designed to be ready for possible strong winds and driving rain.  

What Causes Hurricanes?

Humid tropical air evaporating from the sun-warmed ocean is a key factor in the development of hurricanes. This moist air condenses into clouds, which grow and form thunderstorms, sometimes re-forming again and again. In addition, low pressure near the ocean surface can increase the upward movement of warm, moist air.  

Eventually, the whole mass of clouds and winds starts to rotate due to the earth’s spin. Storm winds can be clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on whether the system is north or south of the equator. Hurricanes will continue to strengthen as they feed on warm moist ocean waters. However, once they move into cooler regions or over land, they typically start to weaken.  

Decorative graphic to show categories of hurricanes by sustained wind speed

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration categorizes storms by wind speed. Category 1 hurricanes have sustained wind speeds at or greater than 74 miles per hour. Hurricanes in category 5 can have sustained winds over 157 miles per hour and cause catastrophic damage.  

 “The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based only on a hurricane’s maximum sustained wind speed. This scale does not take into account other potentially deadly hazards such as storm surge, rainfall flooding, and tornadoes. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale estimates potential property damage. While all hurricanes produce life-threatening winds, hurricanes rated Category 3 and higher are known as major hurricanes. Major hurricanes can cause devastating to catastrophic wind damage and loss of life simply due to the strength of their winds. Hurricanes of all categories can produce deadly storm surge, rain-induced floods, and tornadoes. These hazards require people to take protective action, including evacuating from areas vulnerable to storm surge. *In the Pacific Northwest, the term “super typhoon” is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph.”1 



2024 Hurricane Forecasts

EXPLOSIVE ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON PREDICTED 

Hurricane experts predict the number of tropical storms and potential hurricanes each season. Meteorologists base these annual forecasts on weather patterns, water temperatures, and historical data.  

While 2023 was a busy season with 20 named storms, the predictions for 2024 indicate an even higher level of activity. Weather experts identify two factors behind these greater-than-usual estimates. 

Changing weather patterns: The El Niño climate event, which began in June 2023, is expected to fade away and be replaced by a La Niña pattern at the height of hurricane season. Under the influence of La Niña, the Atlantic Ocean basin becomes more favorable to storms and hurricanes.  

Rising water temperatures: Ocean temperatures in the Atlantic were already higher than usual at the end of winter. As spring moves into summer, water temperatures will likely increase, supplying storms with a limitless fuel source. 

The current estimates based on predictions from AccuWeather meteorologists include: 

  • 20-25 Named Storms 
  • 8-12 Hurricanes 
  • 4-7 Hurricanes, Category 3 or higher 

Hurricanes that develop in the Atlantic Ocean basin (which includes the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico) can have far-reaching effects, potentially impacting multiple areas of the United States.Therefore, residents and businesses in coastal and nearby inland regions must stay informed and be prepared. 

Weather radar view of hurricane approaching the coast of Florida

Hurricane Safety

While hurricanes are a fact of life, if you live near or on the ocean, there are several strategies you can take to safeguard your home and family.

  • Follow and obey evacuation orders.
  • Create an emergency plan.
  • Stock up on supplies.
  • Plan for power outages.
  • Prepare your home by shuttering windows, cleaning gutters and downspouts, and stowing outdoor equipment.

Helping to Protect Your Roof During a Hurricane

Whether it’s a catastrophic hurricane or a powerful tropical depression, wind gusts, flying debris, and torrential downpours can cause considerable damage to your home.  

Roofs are especially vulnerable due to their exposed location and large surface area. Storm winds can cause powerful uplift forces capable of peeling shingles off the roof’s surface. Rake edges and eaves are especially vulnerable. Once your shingles are gone, the wind starts to work on your underlayment, and soon your roof becomes defenseless against the pounding rain. 

Should your home experience blown-off shingles, you may risk water infiltrating through the roof deck and into your walls and ceilings. Use the following guidelines to help prepare your home for the 2024 hurricane season. 

Arrange for a Pre-Season Inspection 

Your home’s roof will have a better chance of making it through a severe storm if you take care of problem areas before bad weather arrives. Therefore, schedule a roof inspection prior to hurricane season to check for loose or cracked shingles and damaged flashing. This is also a suitable time to discuss ways to shore up your roof in case of strong winds. 

Provide Added Support 

If you live in a region prone to hurricanes, you might want to reinforce your roof’s framing. While added support is easiest to install during the initial build of a home, it is possible to reinforce your roof through the attic space. A professional roofing contractor can explain the pros and cons of various roof strengthening methods, such as: 

  • Braces 
  • Collar ties 
  • Strapping 
Wooden attic rafters with a hurricane twist strap

Choose Quality Products

Your choice of roofing materials can affect the amount and type of damage your home experiences during a weather event. For that reason, roofing contractors, builders, and insurance companies recommended using products tested for wind performance, which have been successful in real-life situations.

Take a look at these stories from homeowners who experienced the impact of Hurricane Ian in 2022 and whose roofs withstood the force of the storm. Owens Corning’s Duration® shingles with SureNail® Technology triple-layered protection, and Oakridge® shingles with a double-layered nailing zone protection are excellent examples of how specially designed shingles can help provide wind protection during storms.*

In addition to using high-performance asphalt shingles, consider these strategies to help prepare your roof for the upcoming 2024 hurricane season. 

  • Asphalt Cement can be used under any loose or unsealed shingle tabs, on ridges, and the roof edges for added security. If your shingles pull up easily, your roof may need to be fortified to prepare for the hurricane season. A roofing contractor can use an approved asphalt cement meeting ASTM D4586 specifications to help create a seal. 
  • Synthetic Underlayments provide an additional layer of protection between the wood decking and the shingles, mainly to help guard against wind-driven rain. In addition, should shingles blow off, synthetic underlayment that remains attached to the roof deck can help keep the elements out. 
  • Self-Adhered Underlayments, such as ice and water barriers, are designed to help protect the roof where water collects or flows, including valleys, vents, chimneys, and skylights. During a hurricane, the wind can drive rain in horizontal sheets. Self-adhered underlayments can help prevent water from penetrating the roof deck. In hurricane-prone areas, contractors may apply one of several WeatherLock® Ice and Water Barrier options over the entire roof. 

Be a Proactive Homeowner

When it comes to hurricanes, being prepared is much better than reacting to an emergency. So, keep your home hurricane-ready with regular inspections and reliable products designed to defend against wind gusts, driving rain, and flying debris.

Check into Potential Insurance Discounts

Proactively helping protect your home may earn discounts on your homeowner’s insurance. Some states even require insurance providers to offer discounts to homeowners who observe hurricane-related building codes**.

Depending upon your insurance carrier, you may need to schedule a wind mitigation inspection. During this assessment, a certified inspector will determine how well your home can potentially withstand intense winds. They’ll look at the siding, windows, doors (especially the garage doors), and, of course, the roof.

Roofing Contractor squatted down on a roof top taking a picture of the roof ridge with his phone

Consult a Roofing Expert

If your home’s roof is starting to show signs of wear and tear or you would like a pre-hurricane season inspection, contact an independent roofing contractor. They can discuss the benefits of repair vs. a total roof replacement and advise you on hurricane prevention strategies for your roof.

Search the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network to find independent roofing contractors near you.

*Not a guarantee of performance in all weather conditions. See actual warranty for complete details, limitations, and requirements.
**Consult your insurance carrier for further details.


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