A FEMA survey found roofs built after 2015, after changes to building codes, fared better in high-wind environments.
When Hurricane Ian struck southwest Florida in 2022, homeowners’ roofs built after 2015, which is when new building codes took effect, experienced lower damages than older roofs. The new building codes require roofs to be attached to homes in a sturdier way and have special coating to prevent water leakage.
According to a review by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of home clusters with a combination of new and older roofs, two homes in a cul-de-sac with roofs built in 1987 and 2010 had significant damage, but a third home’s roof built in 2020 was unscathed by the hurricane. In Captiva, one home with a 2019 roof was fine, while the home that had a roof built in 1974 was damaged.
FEMA’s figures showed 90% of asphalt roofs installed before 2015 were badly damaged, compared to 28% of those installed or replaced after. Older metal roofs fared a bit better, with 79% of pre-2015 roofs surviving without visible damage, compared to just 10% of asphalt roofs.
Source: Fox 13 (Tampa Bay) (01/04/24) Axelbank, Evan
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