Having the right roof is crucial in Fairhope, Daphne, Mobile, Foley, Gulf Shores, and the surrounding areas. The coastal climate can be harsh and unpredictable, with high winds, heavy rains, and even hurricanes. That’s why it’s essential to choose a roof that can withstand the elements and protect your home for years to come.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best type of roof for coastal Alabama homes and how Ridgeline Construction can help you get the best roof for your climate.

Why a Fortified Roof is Essential for South Alabama Homes

First, let’s talk about what a Fortified roof is and why it’s essential for coastal homes. A Fortified roof is a roof that has been designed and built to withstand high winds, heavy rains, and other severe weather conditions. A Fortified roof is designed to withstand winds of up to 130 miles per hour, which is equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane. This type of roof is essential for coastal homes, where hurricanes and other severe weather events are not uncommon.

Fortified roofs are constructed using specific building techniques and materials that are designed to make them more durable and resistant to damage. So what exactly is the difference?

STRONGER EDGES

• Roof damage often begins when wind gets underneath the roof edge and begins ripping it away from the home. To help protect this vulnerable area, Fortified requires specific materials and installation methods, including a wider drip edge and a fully adhered starter strip, that when used together create a stronger system.

SEALED ROOF DECK

• If wind rips off your roof covering―such as shingles, metal panels or tiles―it exposes the wood beneath and allows water to pass through the gaps and enter your home. Fortified requires roof decks to be sealed to prevent this type of water damage.

BETTER ATTACHMENT

• Instead of common smooth nails, Fortified requires ring-shank nails, installed in an enhanced pattern, to help keep the roof deck attached to your home in high winds. Using ring-shank nails nearly doubles the strength of your roof against the forces of winds.

IMPACT-RESISTANT SHINGLES

• In hail-prone areas, Fortified requires shingles tested by IBHS to show they can withstand hail up to 2 inches in diameter. These shingles outperform typical Class 4 shingles when tested against realistic hailstones and will better protect your home.

Choosing the Right Roof for Your Coastal Alabama Home

Now that you know why a Fortified roof is essential, let’s discuss the best type of roof for your home. At Ridgeline Construction, we recommend metal roofs for coastal homes. Metal roofs are incredibly durable and can last up to 50 years or more with proper maintenance. They are also resistant to rust, corrosion, and insect damage, which makes them ideal for coastal environments.

In addition to their durability, metal roofs are also energy-efficient and can help you save money on your energy bills. They reflect heat from the sun, which can reduce your home’s cooling costs in the summer, which we know is of the utmost importance in South Alabama. Metal roofs are also eco-friendly because they are often made from recycled materials and can be recycled again at the end of their life.

Choose Ridgeline Construction for Your Fortified Roof

If you’re looking for a company that can provide you with a fortified roof in Fairhope, Daphne, Mobile, Foley, Gulf Shores, or the surrounding areas, look no further than Ridgeline Construction. We specialize in building and installing fortified roofs for coastal homes, and we use only the highest quality materials and techniques to ensure that your roof will last for years to come.

We also offer a variety of metal roofing options to suit your needs and budget. Whether you prefer standing seam, corrugated, or metal shingles, we can help you choose the perfect metal roof for your home. Our team of experienced professionals will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your new roof is installed correctly and to your satisfaction.

In conclusion, choosing the right roof for your Alabama coastal home is essential, and a Fortified roof is the best choice. At Ridgeline Construction, we specialize in building and installing Fortified roofs using high-quality materials and techniques. We recommend metal roofs for their durability, energy efficiency, and eco-friendliness. If you need a Fortified roof in Fairhope, Daphne, Mobile, Foley, Gulf Shores, or the surrounding areas, contact Ridgeline Construction today for a free consultation.